The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a technologically advanced and professionally competent force, declaring that sustained investment in education, research and innovation is essential to strengthening national security and preparing the military for emerging security threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stated this during a meeting with the Governing Council and Management Team of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS said human capital development would remain central to the Army’s transformation agenda, stressing that professional military education is indispensable to building an adaptive, combat-ready force capable of responding to increasingly complex security challenges.
Describing the Nigerian Army University Biu as a strategic national asset, Shaibu said the institution continues to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture through specialised academic programmes in cybersecurity, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies that are reshaping modern military operations.
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He also commended the university’s initiative to establish a Centre for Military Performance Management, noting that the facility would enhance defence research, improve institutional effectiveness and support strategic decision-making across the Nigerian Army.
To further strengthen the university’s capacity, the COAS approved an assessment for additional accommodation for military faculty and staff. He also disclosed plans to leverage the Nigerian Army’s partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to facilitate the construction of a permanent Senate Building.
Shaibu further assured the university of the Army’s full support towards the accreditation of its academic programmes, describing the move as critical to expanding the institution’s academic profile and operational relevance.
He emphasised that the future of military operations will increasingly depend on technology, data-driven intelligence, cyber capabilities and knowledge-based decision-making, making investment in personnel and innovation as vital as investment in military equipment.
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 that the university is set to hold its combined graduation ceremony in October 2026.
The engagement underscores the Nigerian Army’s growing emphasis on education, research and technological innovation as key pillars for developing a modern, professional and future-ready force.
