The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai on Monday presented the letter of appointment of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, to the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor David Iliya Malgwi
Buratai made the presentation just as he warned that though the university is a military establishment with a conventional setting, discipline would thus be enforced while such vices such as cultism, activism, protest or strike and any untoward acts or activities from both the students and staff would be viewed seriously.
The COAS also said, “In considering the objectives and the realization of what the future holds for the university, I deemed it necessary to couch my vision for the university which is ‘To make the Nigerian Army University Biu a centre of academic excellence in education, research and innovation for human capacity development, military science and technology for national development; and for the progress of humanity”.
“This encompassing vision goes without saying that the university’s effort would be channeled towards not only developing the Nigerian Army’s capacity to compete professionally and responsively with other armies of the world but would also graduate a civilian manpower well equipped to live and work in this emerging competitive world.
“The importance of this citadel of learning in this age of automation and technological advancement can therefore not be overemphasized”.
His words, “This event as you may have known is the presentation of appointment letter to the Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Army premier educational institution, Nigerian Army University Biu.
“You will recall that the institution was approved by the Federal Executive Council on 3 April 2018 and was followed with an elaborate Ground Breaking Ceremony on 30 October 2018 at the University’s permanent site in Biu.
“Consequently, the university commenced academic activities with the admission and registration of pioneer students.
“The maiden university matriculation for the pioneer students was held on 21 February 2019.
“With the sequence of activities in the trend of the university’s evolution you would all agree with me that the university has come to life and to stay.
“The focal point of the university as envisioned is to serve as solution centre for technological and operation problems of the Nigerian Army, military and the nation at large.
“It is designed to create the critical mass required for research, innovation, testing and development in the 21st century settings.
“Additionally, it will provide excellence, ingenuity, creativity and distinctive competences in intellectual outcomes.
While appreciating the warm reception of the Biu Emirate Council for being a good host and commending ‘your’ hospitality, Buratai called on all eminent sons and daughters of Biu Emirate Council, other catchment areas of the university, the North East and indeed all Nigerians to contribute positively in both human and material resources towards the university’s development.
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“I also urge the university community to ensure all hands are on deck to nurture the university.
“Our efforts should not come to naught because of internal wrangling; we all know that a house divided cannot stand. Therefore, I urge you to make your mark as pioneer staff employed to groom future leaders.
“On this note, I wish to thank the Implementation and Steering Committee and the Transitional Governing Council who worked tirelessly to see that the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu came to fruition.
“My appreciation also goes to Nigerian Universities Commission and Tertiary Education Trust Fund for their roles in the establishment of the university. My gratitude also goes to the Minister of Defence, Minister and Staff of Federal Ministry of Education and indeed the Federal Executive Council for all their efforts toward the establishment of the university.
“Let me also wholeheartedly thank the President, Commander in Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari for all his support in the founding and funding of the university.
“The Nigerian Army remains indebted and would remain absolutely loyal to Mr. President and his administration. We shall continue to play our role effectively as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria 1999 (As Amended)”.
In his acceptance speech, Vice Chancellor Nigerian Army University, Professor Malgwi said, “With utmost good faith Sir, I Professor David Iliya Malgwi hereby accept the confirmation of this appointment as the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu.
“I most sincerely thank President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Defence Brig Gen Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali (Rtd), Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as the Chairman Transitional Governing Council (TGC), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai for the confidence you have in me to take the mantle of leadership of NAUB as the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB).
Since my appointment as the acting Vice Chancellor and the first academic staff of NAUB on 2nd October, 2018, I ensured that all measures were properly addressed to ensure that the dreams of the founding fathers and the implementation committee were met.
“The full support of the COAS and the Top Management Staff gave me an edge in the daily running of the Institution.
“Today, I am happy to inform you that NAUB has more than 500 Academic and Non-Academic staff filled with a cream of well celebrated Professors with high international repute.
“During the period I acted, the University recorded tremendous achievements in the matriculation of 1000 undergraduate into five faculties and 39 programs. It will also interest you to know that the 1000 Remedial Students have finished their exams and waiting for placement.
“The University has also clenched a gold medal in Basketball, three silver and one bronze medal in athletics in the just concluded all African Universities Olympics in Cairo, Egypt. The University also won five medals (2 gold and 3 silver) in athletics in the just concluded NUGA games held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife which qualifies the University for the next World University Games in Italy by June 2019.
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