The bill seeking to establish the Army University, Biu has passed second reading at The House of Representatives
The Senate had earlier passed the bill before transferring it to the House for concurrence.
Debating the bill on Thursday, several members complained that it made no sense to establish a new university when other public tertiary institutions were under lock and key due to the industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
While reacting to the bill, Honourable Uzoma Abonta, said the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji are sufficient for the Army.
“Is NDA not a degree-awarding institution? This bill is not looking at curing any ills. We have not even funded the existing universities, you want us to create more universities. We need more technical schools and polytechnics,” he said.
Also opposing the bill, Kingsley Chinda said funding should be considered when making decisions on a bill.
Jaha Ahmed who is from Borno State appealed to the members that the university is already in existence. He noted that the establishment of such a school will send a strong message to Boko Haram that Nigeria is strongly in support of western education.
“In Borno, we have only one federal university. In 2019, JAMB approved 9500 admissions, 26,000 students applied. I am appealing to you. We want to show Boko Haram that we are in support of Western Education.”
Following the debate, when the Presiding officer, Femi Gbajabiamila put the bill to question, the “ayes” had it.
