Nigerian Army University Set To Take Off – Buratai

…Expects N2bn from TETFUND 

The Chief of Army Staff Gen Tukur Buratai said plans are underway for the take-off of the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Bornu State.

The Army chief stated this in an interactive session with media executives Thursday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

He said as part of efforts to consolidate the military-civil relations, the Vice Chancellor of the proposed University will be a civilian to be supported by an array of military human resources.

He said efforts have been made by the Army high command to laise with the National Universities Commission(NUC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFUND) for necessary accreditation and funds for its take-off.

He said specifically that there is an ongoing process to access N2bn takeoff fund from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as approved by the Federal Executive Council(FEC) for the Nigerian Army University.

Buratai said the fund is expected as soon as all the processes are carried out to kickoff the varsity by getting all the necessary facilities and staff.

He said the varsity is going to serve as a veritable tool for the military and also a unique solution centre in science and technology as well as in military capabilities in terms of equipment and innovation. “There is an important innovation which we intend to bring about in the Nigerian Army in particular. This day you cannot fight just within the conventional sense, warfare has transformed greatly and it requires more scientific and intellectual approach than it used to be in those days,” he said.

He said the Army has gone ahead to initiate the Ivory Tower that will tailor their specific innovation needs as well as solution centre in military science and technology.

According to Buratai, the University will further enhance the army’s ability to deal with all the challenges scientifically and more professionally. Speaking at the occasion, the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Maihaja commended the Nigerian Army for their unflinching support. Maihaja further said that successes recorded so far by the agency could not have been possible if not for the overwhelming support of the military, adding that all the relief materials to IDP camps were thoroughly guarded and secured before distribution.