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NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

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Why the merger of NAUB with NDA cannot work, the hard facts to consider'

NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

 

Sahara Weekly Reveals That Higher education in Nigeria, quite frankly, is facing immense challenges including but not limited to poor infrastructure, unrealistic academic calendars resulting in extra years against stipulated durations, lack of teaching equipment, social menace, poor funding, amongst others.

 

 

NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

 

 

Interestingly, Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB) is quite unique from other federal universities in the sense that since inception, there has not been any issue of strike, cultism, protest, or anti-social conduct.

 

Rather, the university is reputed for its excellent condition of learning environment.

 

This was aptly covered by the Governor of Borno State, H.E Professor Babagana Umara Zulum through his deputy during the maiden edition of the convocation ceremony of NAUB on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at the University’s main campus ( note not temporary campus within five years of existence) in Biu, Borno State.

 

 

The Borno State governor said he was physically present at the groundbreaking ceremony of the foundation laying stone of NAUB five years ago, and he is impressed by what he has seen adding that it must take military precision and focus to put in a full-fledged and functional university on a barren land in such a short period.

 

 

The Governor further thanked the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army, the traditional rulers, scholars and academics philanthropist, industrialists, associates and men and women of goodwill from within and outside Borno State for the selfless service of gradually re-modelling the future of Borno State in particular and Nigeria in general and for putting Borno State on the path of further greatness through the Nigerian Army university, Biu.

 

Why then do we plan to abort such a great independent institution of learning known as a barrier breaker and line crosser by merging it with NDA whose missions and visions are not in tandem with each other .

 

Why cut short the dreams of such noble ideas via politics?

 

Are there those who do not want a stable educational system in Nigeria?

Are there external forces or their agents at home trying to destroy a good foundation for a stable educational system in Nigeria?

 

Is NAUB in competition with the private universities?

Are there big shots who benefit from a chaotic educational system in Nigeria?

 

Are there some subterranean forces working within the system to achieve the Boko Haram objective that “education is sin”?

The words of Governor Zulum rings a wise bell when he said that Boko Haram insurgents have achieved their objectives if the university is scrapped.

“Therefore, we appeal to Mr. President to look into this issue so that the Army University Biu would remain a university… because of the importance of education in this part of the country, where Boko Haram is saying that education is forbidden. And I think that by allowing this Army university to be scrapped, they might have achieved one or two of their objectives,” he said.

 

The governor noted that, for over a decade, Borno State has been facing a serious crisis that has denied many children access to education.

“Therefore, this university is very important to not only the people of Borno State but our neighbouring states,” he said.

 

Look at the Western countries that started with military polytechnics that propelled revolution in military equipment development.

 

Many of these developed countries collaborated jointly through civil-military research.

The Swedish Defence University established like NAUB is Sweden’s leading resource in, and first choice for, education, training and research in the management of crisis, war and periods of tension in the leadership of both civil and military agencies. The Swedish Defence University is an accredited institution for academic education for military and civilian students and researchers where different experiences, approaches, and traditions come together. It has become a hub for both national and international students.

 

It might shock you to know that American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU). APUS is wholly owned by American Public Education, Inc., a publicly traded private-sector corporation that offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees, in addition to dual degrees, certificate programs and learning tracks.

 

During my NYSC, I served in the Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Ilorin, which is a renowned military institution focused on providing high-quality education and training for Nigerian Army personnel and civilians. So why the proposed merger of NAUB?

 

Interestingly, the Nigerian Army University Biu provides such a platform for the Nigerian military towards technological innovation, research, and development in varied fields for national defence and security breakthroughs like many modern nations. In fact, instead of downgrading the Nigerian Army University, many more Army universities should be established in Nigeria. That is the way out for a caricature type of educational system that has failed to have stability over the years.

 

Who is not interested in seeing that a federal university graduates its students within the regular course time frame?

 

Must programmes of all federal universities be easily disrupted. A course of 4 or 5 years ends up taking over 6 to 7 years to complete. The worst part is that many universities end up in a crash programme to be able to cover up for the lost times. The terrible damage to these universities’ products is the very low standard of graduates.

 

Who wants the Nigerian educational system to collapse completely? These are rhetorical questions the amiable president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all stakeholders should ask those proposing the merger to answer us publicly, else should let the matter die forever in the abyss of hasty decision.

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Prince Akintoye Akinrinade Celebrates Chief Amodu at 85

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Prince Akintoye Akinrinade Celebrates Chief Amodu at 85

 

Prince Akintoye Akinrinade, son of Late Kabiyesi Adetunji Anthony Akinrnade have sent congratulatory message to Chief Theophilus Amodu,the Baba Ijo of St. Paul African Church, Agbado, on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

In a released sent this morning, he described Chief Amodu has a towering figure of integrity, devotion, and unwavering courage.

He said, “At 85, Baba stands not only as a symbol of longevity but as a beacon of truth and righteousness in a world often clouded by compromise. His years have not merely been counted in time but measured in impact on the church, the community, and the hearts of all who have been privileged to know him.

Prince Akinrinade also stated that Pa Amodu faithfulness to God and his sacred duties in the house of the Lord have remained steadfast and exemplary.

“” As Baba Ijo, he has led with humility, wisdom, and a deep spiritual conviction, nurturing the flock of Christ and strengthening the foundations of our church through prayer, counsel, and sacrificial service.

“Yet, beyond the pulpit, Baba has also distinguished himself in the affairs of Agbado land. In the face of the recent chieftaincy tussle, where fear and pressure could have silenced many, Chief Pa Amodu stood firm, not for self, not for gain, but for truth. Despite threats, intimidation, and various forms of oppression, he chose the path of justice and honor. His courage in standing for what is right, even when it came at great personal cost, has inspired countless others and will be remembered as a defining moment in the history of our community.

He further stated that Amodu legacy has written not only in years but in the lives he have touched, the truth he upheld, and the God he faithfully served.

In conclusion, he thank God for preserving him, and pray for more years of good health, peace, and joy. “May your wisdom continue to guide us, your faith strengthen us, and your life remind us all that truth, when upheld with courage, shall always prevail”.

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CHINEDU NSOFOR SLAMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER ₦6.93 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING SCANDAL

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CHINEDU NSOFOR SLAMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER ₦6.93 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING SCANDAL BY JOSEPH MONDAY

CHINEDU NSOFOR SLAMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER ₦6.93 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING SCANDAL

BY JOSEPH MONDAY

Owerri Imo State– Chinedu Nsofor, Nigeria’s Programmes Director at Asia Pacific Sports International, a seasoned technocrat, professional social worker, and an International Development Expert, has strongly condemned the National Assembly following disturbing revelations that lawmakers allegedly inserted projects worth ₦6.93 trillion into the proposed 2025 national budget.

CHINEDU NSOFOR SLAMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER ₦6.93 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING SCANDAL
BY JOSEPH MONDAY

According to a recent investigation by BudgIT, a leading civic technology organisation advocating for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public finance which was reported by Sahara Reporters, this staggering insertion was made without due process, accountability, or alignment with pressing national development goals. The exposé alleges widespread duplication of projects and the allocation of funds to vague and non-essential items.

“This is not just financial recklessness; it is economic terrorism against the Nigerian people,” Chinedu Nsofor stated firmly. “At a time when the nation is bleeding from inflation, debt, unemployment, and insecurity, our lawmakers have chosen to loot through legislation rather than lead with integrity.”

The amount in question reportedly represents over 30% of the entire national budget, which should trigger national outrage and investigation of massive corruption in the National Assembly. Nsofor lamented the misplaced priorities of some members of the National Assembly, stating that the country deserves better.

“₦6.93 trillion could fund thousands of schools, revamp our hospitals, boost food production, and improve our power sector,” he continued. “Instead, it is being siphoned through shady constituency projects and political patronage.”

Nsofor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Budget Office to withstand legislative pressure and defend the integrity of the 2025 budget. Chinedu further called on the EFCC, ICPC, and civil society organizations to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of the padded components of the budget and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable. He is also advocating for an institutionalized annual audit across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by the EFCC and ICPC, emphasizing that such routine scrutiny would deter budget padding, promote transparency, and restore public confidence in the budgeting process.

“This brazen act must not go unpunished. We must reset the culture of public service in Nigeria. If we tolerate this, then we have institutionalized corruption as a national policy,” he warned.

Chinedu Nsofor reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for transparency, participatory governance, and budget justice — not only as a civic advocate but also in his vision for a new Nigeria.

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TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION LAUDS PRESIDENT TINUBU AND MILITARY LEADERSHIP FOR ELIMINATION OF KEY TERRORIST LIEUTENANT

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Budget Constraints, Infrastructure Woes Stall Diplomatic Deployment

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION LAUDS PRESIDENT TINUBU AND MILITARY LEADERSHIP FOR ELIMINATION OF KEY TERRORIST LIEUTENANT

In a commendatory statement released today, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has praised President Bola Tinubu, the Defense Ministry, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede alongside other military leaders, for their decisive military operation that led to the elimination of Alhaji Shaudo Alku, a prominent lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji.

Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the chairman of the Foundation, signed the statement, which praises the theatre command of Operation Fansan Yamma for their dedication and perseverance in the fight against banditry. It also highlights the successful airstrike that was carried out on May 18 as part of Operation Fansan Yamma. This operation targeted terrorist camps situated near Tunfa Primary School in Isa Local Government Area, as confirmed by sources within the Nigerian Air Force.

The Foundation commended General Musa for his strategic military initiatives, which have produced significant results in the ongoing fight against terrorism. “Thousands of bandits have been neutralized, including infamous leaders such as Halilu Sububu,” the statement read.

The Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, also expressed his appreciation for the Tinubu Administration and the military leadership for this monumental achievement. He emphasized the importance of sustained military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace in the country.

During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai (Rtd) was the longest-serving COAS in Nigeria, facing security threats on all fronts. He effectively utilized the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to liberate towns such as Gamboru Ngala and Baga. His proven counter-insurgency expertise remains invaluable and must guide future operations.

The recent airstrike not only resulted in the death of Alku, who was reported to have crossed from the Niger Republic to Nigeria for a terrorist meeting, but also led to the elimination of several other fighters and suspected commanders in the raid. This operation underscores the Nigerian military’s commitment to enhancing national security and stability.

As the Foundation looks to the future, the Grand Patron remains hopeful that ongoing efforts will continue to pave the way for lasting peace and security across the nation. The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation stands firm in its support of the military’s mission to protect the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens.

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