Why the merger of NAUB with NDA cannot work, the hard facts to consider
Of a truth, the merger of the Nigerian Army University and the Nigerian Defence Academy cannot work. And this is not unconnected to the fact that they are two distinct institutions with distinct visions, missions and objectives. And the hard facts to consider are presented here.
NAUB is an academic national public University made up of students, scholars, old collegians and staff members with notable stakeholders like Federal Ministry of education, NUC etc. Within five years of debut, the institution has impacted the national socio-economic development framework through the provision of creative and innovative solutions in a rapidly changing and knowledge driven world. And has successfully built five strong haven of faculties namely Arts, management and social sciences, natural and applied sciences, computing, Engineering Technology and Environmental sciences and has become the darling of many as first choice in JAMB.
NAUB provides a conducive teaching and learning environment in an environment once volatile and considered a hub of terrorism and ignorance. This university was able to achieve that by attracting high quality teaching and research staff, together with talented students; thus ensuring the availability of the much needed entrepreneurial ‘space’ as the platform for bottom up innovation.
This facilitated the grooming of graduates during the first convocation with distinctive competence inducing key in the 21st century world of works skills that will distinguish them, and their degrees as top performers in the global scene.
This unique university has become a centre of excellence for learning, research, and technological development that promotes excellence, ingenuity, creativity, and distinctive competence in intellectual outputs.
One of the uniqueness of the Federal University known as NAUB is the ability to fuse practical career preparation with a focus on creating positive change in our world.
Thus, such a lofty project of the founding fathers built on solid foundation should be preserved and not scrapped.
Infact, some of the testaments of the graduates from NAUB is a reality of why the university should be left alone. Adewuni Victor Adetunji, a graduate of Political Science revealed how Naub has impacted him. According to him, the Nigerian Army University Biu has been a great citadel of Learning, the school delivered excellently well to the students in terms of Passing Knowledge to the students, they successfully impacted on them using their best acquired Knowledge. The Institution is a place where standards of behaviour, principles of right and wrong are clearly made.
Another graduate stated that When it comes to Moral and Discipline, the school is known for her outstanding rate, because no staff be it military and Civil staff give room for undisciplined and immorality. Over academic concentration, NAUB has less extracurricular activities which make the students have high concentration for academics activities,
Shedding more light on the uniqueness of Naub, another product of the school revealed that Going by the vision and mission of the school, the institution has tactically reduced the attacks of the insurgent. Biu is known for resilience, but when NAUB came to existence more of it was displayed.
Speaking with passion, one of the students admitted that attending the Nigerian Army University Biu had a profound and complex impact on his personal and academic development. As a conventional university under the auspices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, it provided a unique environment that fostered discipline, focus, and a strong work ethic.
One of the most significant impacts was the ability to maintain laser-sharp focus on their studies. Unlike traditional universities with a plethora of social activities and distractions, the Nigerian Army University Biu had a relatively limited social scene. This allowed them to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to academics without the constant temptation of numerous parties, events, or other diversions. The serene and structured campus life instilled in me the invaluable skill of time management and prioritisation.
The disciplinary aspect of the university also left an indelible mark. Being part of an institution run by the military, there was a strong emphasis on punctuality, orderliness, and adhering to a strict code of conduct. This cultivated a sense of responsibility and accountability within me, traits that will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavours, be it in the professional realm or personal life.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Army University Biu provided a well-rounded education that extended beyond just academics. The university’s ethos emphasised character-building, leadership skills, and a deep sense of patriotism and service to the nation.
Academically, the university’s rigorous curriculum and high standards challenged them to push their intellectual boundaries. The faculty comprised highly qualified and experienced instructors, their mentorship and guidance not only enhanced subject knowledge but also instilled in them a deep respect for academic integrity and a thirst for continuous learning.
Overall, their time at the Nigerian Army University Biu was a transformative experience that shaped them into a more focused, disciplined, and well-rounded individual. The unique environment provided an ideal setting for personal growth, character development, and academic excellence.
The mandate of the Nigerian Defence Academy is very specific: to produce young officers with first degrees for the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Air Force. In some cases, the NDA assists the Police, Para-military agencies such as the Customs, Immigration, the Prisons, and Civil Defence Corps, as well as other security agencies to conduct training for their officers. On the other hand, the Nigerian Army University Biu is meant to produce skilled manpower (selected civilians and soldiers) with distinctive competence capable of meeting the security and technological challenges of the nation.
Secondly, the admission policy is based on 75% civilian and 25% military/Paramilitary, security agencies, etc. The 75% civilian component will be spread to all 36 states of the Federation as well as FCT while NDA is strictly for Army officials.
Furthermore, the logistical challenges of merging two institutions with distinct cultures, academic programmes, and operational frameworks can not be underestimated. Integrating NAUB and NDA into a single entity would require significant restructuring, resource reallocation, and strategic alignment, posing a risk of disruption and inefficiency in the process.
While collaboration and partnership between educational institutions can yield benefits, it is crucial to recognise and respect the individual identities and purposes of NAUB and NDA. Preserving the autonomy and distinctiveness of each institution is essential to ensure that they continue to effectively serve their respective mandates and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education and national security in Nigeria. A merger between NAUB and NDA would not only be impractical but could also undermine the unique strengths and contributions of these vital institutions.
Finally, the huge academic and intellectual loss and vacuum the merger would spell is indescribable and like Governor Zulum said the security consequences for the North East. Also, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Tinubu Administration, which has come to rekindle the dashed hopes of citizens, of which Education should be the key pillar are factors the merger should be avoided.
