By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
In a historic event, the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), celebrated its maiden convocation ceremony on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the University’s Main Campus in Biu, Borno State.
The ceremony saw 417 graduates from various fields being awarded their first degrees Certificates.
Borno State Governor, H.E Professor Babagana Umara Zulum represented by his deputy H.E Umar Usman Kadafur in a goodwill Message , said the convention marks yet another milestone in the history of Borno State
The governor said he was physical present at the ground breaking 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.
Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Kadufur
He commended those who dreamt well and big in conceiving this idea, especially , retired Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, during whose tenure as chief of Army this lofty idea was actualized and his successors retired Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya and Lt. Gen. Taored Lagbaja for keeping the vision alive.
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.
Governor Zulum added that the Government of Borno State following a passionate appeal by the Vice Chancellor of NAUB has gracious approved the construction of three-bedroom bungalows for the coming year, 2024 by Allah’s grace.
“The ground breaking for the staff housing will be done during this Convocation ceremony and construction will commence immediately,” Zulum said.
Zulum also assured that he will do more directly and through the various agencies that government relate with to make this as one of the best universities of the future in Nigerian and globally.
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the University, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates.
He urged them to represent the institution admirably and make the most of the opportunities available in the country.
General Lagbaja explained the strategic significance of establishing the Nigerian Army University Biu, emphasizing its non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria. The initiative aimed to promote social inclusion, gender balance, and diversity through education.
“The emergence and growth of the university in the crisis gripped North East region reflect the collective successes of the Nigerian military in their counter-insurgency efforts,” COAS said.
The COAS also praised the graduates for their courage and determination to develop solutions and self-reliance in the face of security challenges.
The University Chancellor, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) who is also the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Delta State, highlighted the positive impact of siting the University in Biu and encouraged the graduates to pursue entrepreneurship instead of traditional white-collar jobs.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Kyari Mohammed Dikwa, President Al Ansar Foundation read the list of Honorary Awardees and graduates according to their class of degree’s including Notable honorees like Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) and Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai among others.
The statistics shown that 20 first-class graduates, 207 second-class upper division graduates, 186 second-class lower division graduates, and four third-class graduates were convocated.
Ibrahim Dorcas Kutawalang, from the Department of Political Science, emerged as the overall best graduating student with a remarkable Grade Point Average of 4.84. He received numerous prestigious awards, including those from the Pro-Chancellor and Vice Chancellor.
The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) representing the Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. (rtd) commissioned the 24 units of 2-bedroom flats donated by the Ministry of Defence.
Additionally, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) represented by the Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai JTF Theater Command, Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi, commissioned another set of 24 one-bedroom flats for the university staff, while a Students’ Affairs building was also commissioned by the Chancellor of the University, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) who is also the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Delta State,.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian Army University Biu embarked on its educational journey in the Southern region of Borno in North East Nigeria on October 30, 2018. It matriculated its first set of students on February 18, 2019, across five faculties, including Arts, Management and Social Sciences, Computing, Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology, as well as Natural and Applied Sciences.
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