As a follow up to the recommendations of a committee for the establishment of the Nigerian Army University, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, on Thursday 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 can 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,” Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, said in a statement issued on Friday.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff expressed gratitude to the Executive Secretary for receiving him and his kind words, as well as determined efforts to assist for the approval and smooth take off of the proposedNigerian Army 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, wholauded the Nigerian Army for the giant step, stressing that his Ministry would not hesitate in ensuring that the dream of having a Nigerian Army University was 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 75 percent civilian students and 25 per cent military personnel who are currently running various programmes at 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 O. O. Adeleke,” the statement said.