*A PLEA TO PRESIDENT TINUBU: PRESERVE THE NIGERIAN ARMY UNIVERSITY, BIU*
Dear President Tinubu,
I write to you today with a plea that comes from the heart of a concerned citizen. Your recent approval of the Oronsaye report, which includes the merger of the Nigerian Army University, Biu with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, has sparked a wave of apprehension among many of us who value education and security in our nation.
While I applaud the initiative to streamline government agencies and reduce spending, I urge you to reconsider the decision to merge the Army University, Biu. This institution holds a special place in the hearts of the people of northeast Nigeria, especially in a region that has been grappling with security challenges for over a decade.
The establishment of the Nigerian Army University, Biu was a beacon of hope for the youth in the region, providing them with access to quality education and opportunities for a brighter future. The university has shown remarkable growth and potential, becoming a symbol of resilience and progress in the face of adversity.
In China’s national defence research, National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) has always been at the forefront. To meet the demand from strategies to strengthen national defense through science and technology and to build an innovative country, NUDT makes full use of its integrative disciplinary strengths in science, engineering, management, military science, humanities and social sciences, providing strong support for the modernization of the Chinese armed forces, providing talent and technical support to China’s national economy and social development, and ultimately contributing to world peace and development.
Over the past 60 years, NUDT has evolved into a comprehensive science, engineering, military science, management, economics, philosophy, literature, education, law, and history university. The university consists of 10 colleges running more than 40 departments, institutes and laboratories, four key national laboratories and one key laboratory at the level of the Ministry of Education.
In many topics, NUDT plays a leading role, nine of which are key national topics. According to the Ministry of Education’s 2002 – 2004 National First – Category Discipline Evaluation, five NUDT disciplines made the ’ top five ’ list and the discipline of computer science and technology ranked first nationwide. NUDT currently has more than 2,000 faculty members, of whom more than 300 are teachers. There are 14,000 full – time students with 8,400 graduates and 5,600 graduates.
Mr. President, I implore you to recognize the importance of preserving the autonomy of the Army University, Biu. By empowering this institution and allowing it to flourish independently, you will not only support the educational aspirations of the youth in the region but also contribute to the overall development of northern Nigeria and the National Security.
Education and security are not burdens to society; they are investments in our future. Just a decade ago, former President Jonathan took a bold step in establishing 37 new universities to expand access to quality education for our youth. We need more institutions like the Nigerian Army University, Biu, to cater to the growing number of qualified students seeking higher education opportunities.
Your vision for a prosperous and innovative Nigeria, as articulated during your campaign, requires additional universities to harness the talents and intellect of our youth. As you have rightly said, we have the knowledge and the brainpower to overcome challenges like poverty, ignorance, and homelessness. Investing in education is the key to unlocking this potential.
In conclusion, Mr. President, I urge you to reconsider the merger of the Army University, Biu, with the NDA. Let us continue to support and nurture institutions that are making a difference in the lives of our youth and communities. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Nigeria for generations to come.
Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Gamji Reporters, Kaduna.