COAS reaffirms commitment to growth, expansion of Army varsity

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the growth and expansion of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB).

Shaibu spoke when he received its Governing Council and Management Team on a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.

He pledged increased support for infrastructure, academic development and research to the university.

The COAS described NAUB as a strategic national asset, saying the institution remained central to the Army’s vision of developing highly skilled manpower to tackle contemporary security challenges.

He said sustained investment in education, research, innovation, and technology was critical to building a professional, adaptive and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of responding effectively to evolving threats.

Shaibu noted that the university’s specialised programmes in cybersecurity, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies were strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture and preparing future military and civilian professionals.

The army chief also commended the university’s initiative to establish a Centre for Military Performance Management, saying it would enhance defence research, institutional effectiveness and strategic decision-making.

He approved an assessment for additional accommodation for military faculty and staff to support the institution’s expansion.

He also disclosed plans to leverage the Nigerian Army’s partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to facilitate the construction of a permanent Senate Building for the university.

The COAS further pledged the Army’s full support for the accreditation of the university’s academic programmes to sustain quality teaching, research and innovation.

Earlier, the Chancellor of NAUB, retired Major General Felix Mujakperuo, the Orodje I of Okpe Kingdom, commended Shaibu for his visionary leadership and sustained support for the institution.

Mujakperuo appreciated the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award conferred on him during the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, describing it as a great honour.

He also announced that the university was set to hold its combined graduation ceremony in October 2026, expressing optimism that the institution would continue to grow into a leading centre of excellence in military and technological education.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖