Zulum appeals to FG to reconsider Army University merger
By Usman Yahaya Ismail
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has made a heartfelt plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reconsider the decision to merge the Army University in Biu with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
The plea comes following President Tinubu’s approval of the implementation of the Oronsaye report, which suggested the merger among various government agencies and parastatals. Among these recommendations was the integration of the Nigerian Army University in Biu with the NDA Kaduna.
Governor Zulum expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for its initiative aimed at reducing expenditure, acknowledging its importance particularly in the current economic climate. However, he emphasized the critical role the Army University in Biu plays in providing education, especially in a region like Borno that has been grappling with a prolonged crisis.
Highlighting the significance of education in Borno State and the Northeast, Governor Zulum appealed for the Army University in Biu to either remain autonomous or be transitioned into a conventional university under the Federal Ministry of Education. He underscored the importance of preserving educational institutions in the face of threats like Boko Haram, who aim to disrupt Western education.
Governor Zulum also stressed the importance of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) in achieving food security goals, urging the Federal Government to reconsider its decisions regarding NCAM’s oversight.
The Governor’s appeal reflects the concerns of many in Borno State and the Northeast region who view the Army University in Biu as vital for educational advancement and resilience against security challenges.
As the debate over the merger plan continues, Governor Zulum’s appeal underscores the complexities involved in balancing cost-saving measures with the need to maintain essential services, particularly in regions affected by conflict and insecurity.
