The Nigerian Army on Monday sealed a partnership agreement with the University of Ilorin on the training of senior military officers in Peace and Security/Strategic Studies at Masters level.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Ilorin between the Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.
The Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by the Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC), Brig. Gen. Lawal Abdullahi, said that the partnership would promote intellectual development among personnel.
“With the partnership agreement, senior officers of the Nigerian Army will be able to undertake academic training at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) of the University of Ilorin.’’
Buratai said the army recognised the worth of the University of Ilorin, adding that the efforts by the two institutions in the training of military personnel were already bearing fruits.
Buratai was optimistic that graduates of the Higher Executive Management courses as well as those who obtained Master’s degrees from the University of Ibadan would be able to pursue their PhD programme at the University of Ilorin.
He pleaded with the Senate of the university to expedite action on the approval of the programme while expressing his gratitude for the collaboration.
Buratai dropped the hint that the Nigerian Army University would commence academic programmes soon.
He stressed that the Army University when opened, would require academics from institutions such as the University of Ilorin to drive its programmes.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali noted that education had given the military an edge in the discharge of its constitutional duties.
Ambali, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji, commended the Nigerian Army for its interest in academics.
He expressed the hope that the partnership with the Army would be to the greater benefits of the nation.
He disclosed that the university would soon establish a military branch of the University’s Alumni Association.
The VC assured the Army Chief that the Senate of the University would soon approve the proposal to allow the Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Sobi, Ilorin, award degrees.
He equally promised that the University would ensure the programme was expanded and extended when necessary. (NAN)