The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. TAOREED LAGBAJA says the Army High Command established the Army University in Biu, Borno State as a means to explore a non-kinetic approach in the service operations against insurgency in the country.
The COAS, who is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Board of the University, stated this while speaking at the first convocation ceremony of the University during which it conferred first degrees in diverse disciplines on 417 graduates over the weekend.
In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. ONYEMA NWACHUKWU, the Army Chief disclosed that by establishing the Nigerian Army University at Biu, the Army seeks to achieve social inclusion, gender balance and expand diversity through education.
According to the statement, Gen LAGBAJA asserted that the emergence and growth of the institution in the heart of the North East, an area, was until recently, bedeviled by violence and insecurity, “is a testament to the successes the Nigerian military have collectively achieved in the counter-insurgency efforts.
He said the graduands are a testament to the bravery, courage, and determination, in spite of the security challenges, to groom youths that would become solution providers and self-reliant in addressing some of the challenges of our dear nation.
In his address, the University Chancellor, His Royal Majesty, Major General FELIX MUJAKPERUO (rtd), who is also the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Delta State, noted that siting the University in Biu has brought and would continue to bring development to the community.
The Royal father commended the Vice Chancellor, management, staff and students of the University for their individual and collective roles in moving the institution in the right direction.