In his determined effort towards enhancing the capacity of the Nigerian Army and as follow up to the recommendations of the committee for the establishment of the Nigerian Army University, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, on Thursday 1st June 2017, paid a courtesy call on the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, in his office, Abuja.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary showered encomiums on the Chief of Army Staff for his selflessness and sacrifices in the interest of the nation and interest in education as indicated in the effort of establishment of a University for the Nigerian Army. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for treating the proposed Nigerian Army University as a public institution. He also said that the university would address some issues on Engineering and other fields such as Science and Technology. He said that they would do the best they could to make sure the university is approved. He further thanked him for his commitment and determination of improving the capacity of the Nigerian Army by establishing a university.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff expressed gratitude to the Exexutive Secretary for receiving him and his kind words, as well as determined efforts to assist for the approval and smooth take off of the proposed Nigerian Army University. Thanked him for giving him special attention for the establishment of the university.
Thereafter, both the Chief of Army Staff and the Executive Secretary also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who lauded the Nigerian Army for the giant step, stressing that his ministry would not hesitate in ensuring that the dream of having a Nigerian Army is realised.
Earlier in his remarks, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, thanked the minister for granting him and his team audience, despite short notice, explaining that the proposed university is an upgrade of the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies (NAITES), Biu, in Borno State. He said the Borno State Government had donated the land for the purpose of the institution, adding that the school has about Seventy-Five percent civilian students and Twenty-Five percent military personnel who are currently running various programmes at in the institute.
Present during the visit were members of the Implementation Committee of the proposed Nigerian Army University, as well as some Principal Staff Officers of the Army headquarters and the Corps Commander of Nigerian Army Engineers, Major General OO Adeleke.