COAS Reaffirms Commitment to Human Capital Development, Promises Greater Support for Army University

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to human capital development, describing investment in education, research, innovation and technology as vital to strengthening national security and building a professional, adaptive and combat-ready force.

Lieutenant General Shaibu made the pledge on Wednesday while receiving the Governing Council and Management Team of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief stressed that sustained investment in knowledge and technological advancement remains a critical pillar for addressing Nigeria's evolving security challenges.

The COAS described the Nigerian Army University Biu as a strategic national asset, noting that the institution continues to play a key role in strengthening the country's defence architecture through specialised academic programmes in cybersecurity, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

He also commended the university's initiative to establish a Centre for Military Performance Management, saying the proposed centre would enhance defence research, improve institutional effectiveness and support strategic decision-making within the military.

As part of efforts to strengthen the institution, Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the university of the Nigerian Army's continued support in addressing its operational and infrastructural needs.

He approved an assessment for the provision of additional accommodation for military faculty and staff and disclosed plans to leverage the Army's partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to facilitate the construction of a permanent Senate Building for the university.

The Army Chief further pledged the Army's full support towards the accreditation of the university's academic programmes, reaffirming his administration's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and enhancing the quality of military education.

Earlier, the Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University Biu, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orodje I of Okpe Kingdom, commended Lieutenant General Shaibu for what he described as his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the institution.

The Chancellor also expressed appreciation for the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award presented to him during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 and announced that the university is set to host its combined graduation ceremony in October 2026.