The Federal Government has reiterated its plan to reposition the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), as a leading institution for specialised training and capacity development for both military personnel and civilians.
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, gave the assurance while receiving members of the university’s governing council during a meeting in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister’s special assistant on media, Musa pledged continued government support to strengthen the university’s academic and strategic roles.
He described NAUB as an important institution for developing the technical expertise and operational skills needed to address emerging security challenges in the country.
The minister also disclosed that the ministry would work with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to ensure effective use of the 30 per cent admission quota reserved for military personnel, aimed at reducing specialised manpower gaps within the security sector.
“As the federal government continues efforts to build a highly skilled workforce in this digital age, members of the armed forces, ministry officials and the public should take advantage of the technological and academic opportunities provided by NAUB,” Musa said.
A major highlight of the meeting was an agreement between the minister and the university’s governing council to urgently tackle infrastructure challenges facing the institution.
Among the proposed projects is the establishment of a military performance management centre, which is expected to become the first of its kind in Africa.
Earlier, the delegation’s leader and the university’s pioneer pro-chancellor, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, praised Musa for his leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence system.
Buratai expressed appreciation for the minister’s efforts in supporting the armed forces and assured him that the university community would remain committed to academic excellence, research advancement and national development.
(NAN)