The Senate at its plenary session of Tuesday, 3 March 2020 passed for second reading the Bill seeking to establish a Nigerian Army University in Biu, Borno State.
Leading the debate on the Bill, its sponsor, Sen. Ali Ndume (APC: Borno) informed lawmakers that the University which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in April 2018, currently offers 39 academic programs in 5 faculties and has matriculated over 2,000 students.
Sen. Ndume further highlighted the objectives of the Bill to include:
- Providing facilities for learning and training that allow students obtain a formal education;
- Promoting research that advances practical application of military tools to socio-economic and technological development; and
- Stimulating teachings and knowledge of military policy, strategy and logistics.
In addition, he noted that the University if established, shall be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission who will be responsible for the approval and regulation of all academic programs offered by the institution.
Although the views of lawmakers on the Bill was unanimous for its passage for second reading, the President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan noted that the Ministry of Defence should be the supervisory body for the purpose of streamlining and coordinating the programs offered by the institution with the curriculum of other military institutions of learning.
The Bill has been referred to the Committee on Army for further legislative scrutiny which is expected to report back within 4 weeks.
