The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that human capital development remains a critical pillar of national security and national development, stressing that sustained investment in education, research, innovation and technology is essential to building a professional, adaptive and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of addressing emerging security challenges.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS stated this on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, while receiving the Governing Council and Management Team of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described NAUB as a strategic national asset, noting that the institution plays a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture through specialised programmes in cybersecurity, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. He commended the university’s initiative to establish a Centre for Military Performance Management, saying it would enhance defence research, institutional effectiveness and strategic decision-making.
The COAS assured the delegation of the Nigerian Army’s continued support in addressing the university’s operational and infrastructural needs. He approved an assessment for additional accommodation for military faculty and staff and disclosed plans to leverage the Army’s partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the construction of a permanent Senate Building for the university. He also pledged full support for the accreditation of the institution’s academic programmes.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University Biu, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orodje I of Okpe Kingdom, commended the COAS for his visionary leadership and sustained support for the institution. He also expressed appreciation for the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award conferred on him during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 and announced the university’s readiness to host its combined graduation ceremony in October 2026.
