The Management of Zenith Bank PLC has offered to build and furnish an ultramodern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at the newly established Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), Yobe State.

Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to the statement, “Presenting the offer to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at the Army Headquarters, Abuja on Wednesday 23rd January 2019, the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of the bank, Mrs. Adaora Umeoji, stated that the donation was to further support and encourage the Nigerian Amy in recognition of its immense leading role in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria, particularly in the north east. She further commended the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General TY Buratai, for winning the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, and for stabilising the Nigerian community against threats from criminal minded groups.

“The DMD further saluted the Nigerian Army for setting up the university, describing it as a national project that would contribute to national development in the country, provide education, job opportunities and enhance national security. According to her, the edifice would be constructed once a space is provided by the institution. She assured the COAS that the bank will continue to collaborate with the Army in order to encourage it on its initiative.

Mrs. Umeoji disclosed that the bank had constructed similar centres in other institutions in the country, stressing that it is the Corporate Social Responsibility of the bank to give back to the community it is serving and therefore the donation to the NAUB was one of such initiatives. The delegation thereafter presented the architectural design of the proposed ICT centre and the letter of offer to the leadership of the Army.”

Brig.-Gen. Usman disclosed that receiving the offer on behalf of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, said that he was overwhelmed by the contribution of the bank.

“He described the gift as commendable and expressed appreciation to the bank for the kind gesture. He promised that the Army would continue to partner with the bank for the benefit of the both organisations. The COAS further directed the management of the university to make available the space designated for the promised ICT centre at the institution, which he described as key to the development of the institution. He thereafter handed over the documents pertaining to the donation to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Military) of the University, Brigadier General IM Obot,” the statement said.

It quoted the Deputy Vice Chancellor as thanking Zenith Bank for the offer, saying it could have not come at a better time than now. “According to him, the university would serve as a base for the Nigerian Army in the fight against all forms of threat to national security. He disclosed that lectures have since commenced at the institution which started with four Faculties and 24 programmes both at the degree and the remedials levels,” the statement said.

It added that the visit was witnessed by some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters as well as some management members of Zenith Bank.