Columns

NAUB: Prayers of our enemies shall not come to pass.

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2024

News Net Global

NAUB: Prayers of our enemies shall not come to pass.

By: Dr. James BWALA

When the bill for the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu was taken to the National Assembly, VP Kashim Shettima, then as Senator representing Borno Central in the red chamber, added his voice in support of the establishment. He was among the top voices who spoke to make the university come to light by giving the university the legal instrument that established it. The VP, then governor of Borno State, is the one who speedily granted the approval of the site and delivered the C of O of the site when General Buratai came up with the idea of the university.

Certainly those who came up with the idea to merge the Army University Biu with the Nigerian Defense Academy did not consult widely before reaching the decision, and we are hopeful that the prayers of these enemies of Borno State, the northeast, and Nigeria will not come to pass. We are also confident and firmly believe in our unity and loyalty to our leaders that they will see the reasons for the existence of this great institution that has continued to give direction to our mass of youths who seek education through the university.

The President and his Vice President are men of integrity who love education, especially for the children of the masses. They are aware of the benefits these children of Nigeria are getting through the army university, blending character and learning in the most civil and regimented system. As our governor pleaded alongside many other Borno indigenes of note, we are praying for the president to give a listening ear to those pleas for the future of the children of Borno State, the northeast, and Nigeria.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/borno-residents-raised-concern-over-plans-to-return-idps-after-iswap-attacked-governor-zulum-convoy-in-malam-fatori/

Those who are bent on the idea that the university must be merged are like those who did not want it to be established in Borno and in Biu in the first place. But they never care to learn why the Army University of Biu was established in the first place. The understanding of some Nigerians perhaps prior to the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu was either lopsided in their regional beliefs or in their political thinking or born out of outward envy to attempt to deny the people of northeast Nigeria the opportunity to have such an outstanding university that brought glory to the region and Nigeria as a whole. Today, not only the children of the northeast are the beneficiaries of the Nigerian Army University Biu, but largely students from the southwest and southeast, south-south, northwest, and north-central parts of the country.

I recalled having a chat with some of the staff of NAUB, sometimes in late 2022, where the discussion led to how the funding of the university was almost becoming an issue under the former COAS, the late General Ibrahim Attahiru. It was at that time that I also learned of certain plans by some forces working against NAUB for their political and regional interests, and I was not surprised when certain questions about the merger issues came up in the Steve Oronsaye report. The sighting of NAUB has been fought against, but Biu struggles. Thanks to the support given by sons and daughters of the northeast, who stood to defend the establishment of the army university in Biu,.

While the cracks were on about the Steve Oronsaye report, I went back to the argument on the floor of the National Assembly to revisit earlier arguments about the establishment of the Army University Biu. I took the case of Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abont and Hon. Kingsley Chinda, both of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. They kicked against the establishment of the university, seeing the institution as a ground for military training, with the NDA in focus throughout their argument on the floor of the green chambers. Comparing their argument with the explanations put forth as to why the Army University Biu was established, I realized that the two Hon. Members were not armed with the right information as to why the Army wanted such a university in place, in parallel to the NDA, which is a purely military institution for regimental purposes.

When the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, announced the agencies to be merged to include the merger of the Army University Biu and the Nigerian Defence Academy, there was a lot of roar from the northeast part of the country, with thousands of people who are directly or indirectly beneficiaries of this establishment pouring out their reservations on the adoption of the Steve Oronsaye report by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly with the mention of the Army University Biu being one of the universities in the country that does not go on strike.

Some people who commented have this to say: We can’t afford to lose the NAUB; the effort and energy our leaders put into establishing it can never go in vain, Insha’Allah. Blame the defense ministers from the north-west; they’ve always been against NAUB. The greatest undoing of a democratic government is to clamp down, merge, or relegate a vibrant, important, and exceptionally good tertiary institution that is located in a disadvantageous state or state that needs education, a state that was ravaged by Boko Haram,… What happens to Admiralty University? Is it not a military university? Or is it a private holding of the Nigerian Navy devoid of FG funding? Why has it not been merged with the NDA? Any explanation to defy this? Answers to these would clarify premature assumptions on the need or otherwise for the merger. On a literal perspective, NDA, NAUB, and AFIT are funded by FG. Why NAUB? These are the questions trending.

But the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had last year, while speaking during the graduation of some 500 students, given an explanation of why the Army University Biu was established. He explained that the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Borno State, was established as a means to explore a non-kinetic approach to service operations against insurgency. He also said the institution was established to achieve social inclusion, gender balance, and expand diversity through education. The COAS, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, disclosed that by establishing the Nigerian Army University in Biu, the Army adopted the strategic option of exploring a non-kinetic approach to its counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria.

According to him, the Army sought to achieve social inclusion and gender balance and expand diversity through education, adding that the emergence and growth of the institution in the heart of the North East was a testament to the successes the Nigerian military has collectively achieved in its counter-insurgency efforts. I hope that the COAS, at this time of debate, will add his voice to the plea by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the highly respected leaders of Borno to press on the president to see the reasons in this matter and to know the hands of Jacob from those of Esau.

* James BWALA, PhD, writes from Abuja.

NAUB: Prayers of our enemies shall not come to pass.

Columns

UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

Published

6 days ago

July 28, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

By: Balami Lazarus

In a recent workshop organized by the management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in collaboration with Fakeeh University Hospital of Dubai on ‘Advances in Kidney and Neurosurgical Management’ in Maiduguri, experts within and without spoke on the latest advances in kidney diseases and neurosurgical treatments/management and their remedies. While some made presentations on advances in neurosurgical management.

Dr. Omer Mohammed Al-Derwish, a urological surgeon/consultant from the Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai, has commended the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, and his management team for uplifting the standard of the hospital, stating that ‘Your capacity in both human and medical materials/equipment is of global standard.’

Al-Derwish made the observation while giving a talk on ‘Overview of Advances in Urology’ recently at the Babagana Zulum Conference Hall UMTH, medical

Speaking on urinary tract stones, urological cancers, bladder dysfunction, and urodynamics, among other related ailments. Al-Derwish drew the attention of his colleagues to the advances in the treatment and management of these diseases. He also stressed the need for UMTH to replicate Fakeeh University Hospital methods.

Also in his paper, Dr. Tommaso Tufo, a neurosurgeon/consultant, spoke extensively on ‘Overview of Advances in Neurosurgery,’ paying more attention to advances made in neurosurgery. He said that neurosurgery is more scientific than what was obtainable in the past, where death mortality was high in the course of surgery. ‘Today medical neuroscience tools and materials/equipment have heralded a new chapter in neurosurgical treatments and management.’

The Fakeeh University Hospital experts said that CMD Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo and his management team are to be commended for their efforts. Adding that those at the helm of affairs for the day-to-day running of the hospital are to be applauded in no small measure.

During the workshop, Dr. Hassan Dogo of UMTH spoke on ‘Update on Infrastructure/Equipping of Kidney/Urology Centre of UMTH.’ Dr. Dogo informed participants on the available advances in medical tools and equipment at the center, which are of international standard, and these are being utilized in medical treatment of kidney/urology. He, however, said that the center needs more tools, materials, and equipment to meet her patients medical demands. He further said that the center is making progress in the treatments of kidney/urology using the latest medical methods.

In a similar vein, Dr. Babagana Usman, also of UMTH, made a presentation on ‘Update on Infrastructure/Equipping of Stroke and Neuroscience Centre of UMTH,’ making clear that the Stroke and Neuroscience Centre has first-class modern medical materials and equipment for the treatments of stroke. He called for more additional tools/material to achieve her aims.

“Patients and visitors to the hospital are witnesses to all this progress made by the CMD, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, for putting the hospital on the medical world map as being the best in Nigeria.” He said,

NEWSng reports that both experts gave UMTH a pass mark on her medical services, teaching, and research facilities. They promised to initiate the processes of partnership between Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai and UMTH.

UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

Columns

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

Published

3 weeks ago

July 14, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

By: Balami Lazarus

Growing up for many of us was interesting because for some of us that had the privilege of time and space provided by our parents, and our stubbornness as kids has helped us to explore our environment far and wide, having a range of friends.

Primary school was the beginning of our friendship and relationship through secondary school—Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Maiduguri. These stages provided us with both childhood memories and those of secondary school. Giving us a strong and standing relationship through our alma mater. Where both senior and junior students are members, some by default with absence from the association register.

The old students association is one place where memories are recalled and remembered by the mere presence of classmate(s) or sets of groups valued by those who appreciate the alma mater relationship.

I pity those old students that take alma mater relationships for granted. I believe as we are growing older, we need more of such associational relationships, including that of childhood.

Samaru Nostalgia Group (SNG) Zaria is my childhood group, where we addressed ourselves as brothers and sisters because our relationship is far over and above us; it has its origin from our parents when living was communally bounded. For some, such childhood relationship and connection is lost. Why are some deliberately depriving themselves of the good opportunity of a lifetime friendship/relationship?

The benefits derived from this relationship are above penny and kobo. While many out there are refusing to take a position and ownership of such a union of their alma mater to harvest the pros.

Recently there was an overflow of condolences when we lost a committed member, a fine gentleman. What caught my attention were the tributes by Pastor Ngale Lautong and that of Dr. Edmund Richard Egbe. These tributes say it all about the deceased. And it reads in parts: ‘You responded to a call placed on you. You have shown commitment to the Association and its members in terms of contributions and assistance.’ On the other it reads, ‘We have indeed lost Luka, a gentle soul, a bridge builder, and a peace-loving brother.’ These testimonies will be engraved in the annals of the Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Old Students Association (BRIGMASSOSA).

No individual can have it all. We need to lean on each other as a fraternity to accomplish some goals and objectives. There is strength in numbers.

Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

Columns

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

Published

1 month ago

June 30, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

By: Balami Lazarus

When I heard of the killings of the innocent travelers that happened at Manjul in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, who are my brothers and sisters? I sat down and began to think, trying to reason out why and what the rationale is behind these killings. My thought raised so many questions regarding this brutal murder, ruling out some motives. But political motive kept whispering, telling me the rationale is politically motivated considering the quantum of killings on the Plateau in places like Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu, which has become a vicious cycle in these areas. And in addition, there were utterances from some politicians complicating issues.

I hereby condole with the families of my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Samaru, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) community main campus Samaru who lost their lives in the Mangun brutal killings of 20th June, 2025, on their way to Qua-anpan for a wedding. May their souls rest in peace.

The killings of these innocent Nigerians were carried out with no reason or cause, neither threat nor provocation of any kind, much lessreligion or ethnicity, as some irrational persons want us to believe. I stand and write with the power of the pen to say in print that the sentiments aforementioned are far and kept away from such unfortunate incidents, which have been peddled around by some enemies of peace and progress on the Plateau.

It is on record that so many Nigerians have condemned in totality the killings of these innocent travelers. While the government and the good people of Plateau State have long condemned this act in strong terms. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration has properly condoled and sympathized with the government and people of Kaduna State, including the management and staff of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In his effort as the executive governor, Mutfwang is working tirelessly to see that justice takes its course on those involved in this crime. Besides, his administration is making an effort to compensate the affected families, according to sources.

It might surprise some readers why I emotionally addressed those murdered as my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), Samaru, and ABU main campus, which are integral parts of the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I am an indigene of Zaria, having been born and bred outside the ganuwa (city walls) of the ancient Zaria city in Gaskiya, Kongo, ABU main campus, and Samaru, all addressed as Zaria, where I had my childhood spree. Therefore, I will not be queried by identifying with the deceased and their families as my own people, for we are linked one way or the other.

Let me hereinafter tell you why I suspect political motive was behind these killings of the travelers in Mangun-Mangu. I partly grew up on the Plateau, shuttling between Jos and Sharam in Kanke Local Government Area as a student and still living in Jos. Moreover, I have some good understanding of the people, their sociopolitical and economic happenings, and their dynamics on the one hand. And I once led a political group on the other. The utterances of some politicians and their cohorts/allies are questionable because they are not happy with the people-oriented projects of the Caleb Mutfwang administration. And that they were accused of sponsoring the killings going on in the state. The case of Mangun, 20th June, 2025, holds water going by the alleged accusations and the kind of politics playing out in Plateau State.

Findings have revealed that there were interventions by some youth leaders, elders, and vigilantes who risked their lives trying to stop this group of rascals from carrying out the killings and burning of the bus belonging to ABU conveying the victims for a wedding at Qua-anpan. In fact, some were burnt—men, women, and children. Others were rescued with various degrees of injuries. Reports put the total dead at 8 persons. While 12 were injured, some survived. The good news making rounds is the arrest of over 20 suspects believed to be behind these gruesome killings of the Zaria travelers.

Thus, this incident has no doubt painted Plateau State in a bad light as one of the major flashpoint states where killers of innocent travelers reside. Well, I will not blame them because this is not the first. However, this particular one is painfully shrouded in a bitter political atmosphere between some gladiators who are not at peace with the positive developments in the state. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as the change driver.

Yes, there are insecurity challenges on the Plateau, where apprehension and naked suspicion are everywhere, prompting the citizens to be extremely cautious and always on alert. However, if young men can channel their collective energies as a force towards the insecurity bedeviling the state instead of engaging in political thuggery, drugs, and criminality, there will be a change in their lives and the entire system.

Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?