Nigerian army sets up university

The Nigerian Army has established a university in Biu, Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria, the Punch reports. The Army has upgraded the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies to Nigerian Army University of Technology and Environmental Studies the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai, disclosed on Monday.

“The university was conceived as a unique one that will be different from conventional universities in Nigeria. The concept is to make it a solution provider and a centre of excellence for a variety of technologically related ventures such as generation and armament production.” Said Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai

The Chief of Arm further added that the federal government of Nigeria has allocated 5000 hectares of land for the institution.

“The concept is to make a solution provider and a centre of excellence for variety of technologically related ventures such as generation and armament production.” Added the Lt. General

The institute is also to consolidate the efforts in defeating the Boko Haram insurgents that have rained havoc in the region and provide a stable atmosphere for the socio economic activities in Borno State.

“I have directed the establishment of Nigerian Army Information Call Centre to enable the Nigerian public to reach the Nigerian Army through dedicated telephone lines issues of security and other emergencies. I therefore, enjoin all commanders to educate troops under their commands and to work towards the realisation of professional and responsive army.” Said the Army Chief

Lt. Gen Burutai added that the military will protect children and support UNICEF and other NGOs to provide humanitarian service to children and victims of insurgency wherever they are.

This is the second military university in Nigeria after the Nigerian Defense Academy, NDA, in Kaduna in north-western Nigeria is currently the only military university in Nigeria, according to the Premium Times.