Defence chief Olufemi Oluyede has assured the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies of improved collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the foremost policy institution in Nigeria.

Mr Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday when the director-general of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the director of defence information, Samaila Uba, on Friday in Abuja.

He lauded NIPSS’s contributions to national development through the cultivation of strategic-level manpower and research into transformational policies for the nation.

The defence chief expressed satisfaction with the institute’s research and development efforts, which are urgently needed at this critical time.

“We are ready to partner with NIPSS to develop solutions to our current challenges,” he stated.

Mr Oluyede, who is an alumnus of the institute and a member of the institute’s board of governors, reiterated the unflinching support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the institute in all spheres to enable it to achieve its mandate.

Earlier, the director-general of NIPSS appreciated the CDS and the armed forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices in keeping Nigeria safe and united.

Mr Omotayo notified the defence chief of the ongoing effort to develop a solution in partnership with the Nigerian Army and sought more support from the armed forces to see the project to fruition.

He also unveiled plans to reposition the institute as an African think-tank centre for the incubation and development of transformational ideas.

He, therefore, sought the support of the AFN to fully realise the vision.

The NIPSS boss further called for continuous support to make the teaching and learning environment more conducive at the Institute.

(NAN)