Governor Urges President Tinubu to Rethink on Army University Merger Decision

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a reconsideration of the decision to merge the Army University in Biu with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna. President Tinubu’s approval of the Oronsaye report during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on February 26, 2024, included the recommendation to merge various government entities, including the Nigerian Army University in Biu.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation for the government’s initiative to reduce spending but emphasised the crucial role of the Army University, especially in a region facing a crisis for the past 15 years. He urged President Tinubu to explore options, such as maintaining the university’s autonomy or having the Federal Ministry of Education take over if autonomy isn’t feasible. Zulum highlighted the significance of the Army University in countering Boko Haram’s mission to disrupt Western education.

While acknowledging the government’s overdue decision for economic repositioning, Governor Zulum, on behalf of Borno and the Northeast, appealed for reconsidering merging the Army University with the NDA, emphasizing the pressing need for education in the state.

Governor Zulum also stressed the importance of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) in the Federal Government’s agricultural revival and food security efforts. He urged a critical review of decisions, including placing NCAM under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science to enhance its role in sustainable agriculture and machinery fabrication.

Dominica Nwabufo