Nigerian Army University Bill Scales Second Reading

A bill for the establishment of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, has scaled second reading at the Senate on Tuesday.

The bill, which is being sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, was first read on the floor of the senate on February 18, 2020.

The bill received positive contributions from several senators when it came up for second reading at the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday.

In his contribution, the Senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, urged the senate to pass the bill in order to give it a “legal framework” as the university had already commenced academic activities.

“Academic activities have commenced in this school. What we are trying to do is to give it a legal framework. A university cannot exist without the legal framework and what this Bill seeks is to approve the legal framework,” he said.

Aliero described the proposed institution as “National University” that would benefit all Nigerians.

Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South, described the bill as “a very straightforward” one that should receive the support of his colleagues.

In his contribution, Senator Sam Egwu, representing Ebonyi North said: “This Bill will offer opportunities for more Nigerians who are interested in military affairs to get trained and also use skills and knowledge learned for self-defense.”

Senator Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba, representing Osun East, submitted that the proposed university would allow people in that area to get knowledge on scientific research, adding that the proposed location was ideal for the institution.

“70% of students in the military University in Biu are civilians. I wish to urge my colleagues to support the establishment of this university,” said Kashim Shettima, the senator representing Borno Central.

In his response, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said establishing a Nigerian Army University would not be a bad idea, but suggested that the university and other military-related institution should come under the ministry of defence.

“There is nothing wrong in having Nigerian Army University but my advise here is they should be under one supervision. With this university being established, I think there is need for the entire defense related institutions to be under the Ministry of Defense,” said Lawan.

The Senate President subsequently referred the bill to the senate committee on army which would study the bill and report back to the upper chamber in four weeks.