By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, has commissioned the DICON Institute of Technology, DIT, in Kakuri, Kaduna State.
He also commissioned a Solar Power System at the Headquarters of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, Kaduna State.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Matawalle said in today’s rapidly evolving security environment, the strength of a nation’s defence lies not only in modern equipment but also in the expertise, knowledge, and capacity of its people.
He noted that the commissioning of the institute underscores the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Administration to building indigenous capacity through education, research, innovation, and technological advancement.
A Strategic Milestone
Describing the inauguration as a strategic milestone, the Minister said:
“This institute will nurture the talents and innovation required to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial and technological resilience.”
He added: “As we inaugurate this historic institution, I call on government, industry, academia, and development partners to support its mission. Together, we can build the knowledge and skilled workforce required to secure Nigeria’s future.”
Dr. Matawalle commended the leadership of DICON for achieving another landmark in Nigeria’s pursuit of defence industrialisation, technological advancement, and national development.
“I commend the leadership of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, under the Director General, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, for his vision and dedication in achieving this landmark,” he stated.
The DICON Institute of Technology is Nigeria’s first statutory tertiary institution dedicated to developing the skilled workforce required to support a modern, self-reliant, and sustainable defence industry.
In his remarks, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the DICON Act 2023 into law.
He also thanked the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Executive Secretary of NBTE and DICON partners for their support towards the successful establishment of the institute.
Major General Alaya noted that DICON’s mission is: “to produce globally competitive engineers, technologists, and innovators equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values required to advance Nigeria’s defence industry and contribute to national development. Through defence-relevant programmes, modern laboratories, and strategic partnerships, we are committed to preparing graduates to excel in an increasingly competitive global environment.”
Since its establishment under the Defence Industries Corporation Act of 1964, DICON has remained the nation’s foremost defence manufacturing institution, supporting the Armed Forces with equipment and military hardware for over six decades.
Also present at the event were the Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, CFR, representatives of the Governor of Kaduna State, the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, the representative of the Emir of Zazzau,; and other senior military, government, and traditional officials.
