By Reportcircle Abuja
The Senate on Thursday crackled with rare intensity as Federal Lawmakers engaged in a spirited, often passionate, debate over sweeping proposed Bill for an Act to amend the Nigerian Army University, Biu (Establishment) Act and for Related Matters, 2025 (SB. 833) – Second Reading, many described as crucial for aligning the institution with modern governance standards and the security needs of a country confronted by complex threats.
The plenary session, which opened with prolonged procedural clarifications and repeated calls for order, quickly sharpened into a high-stakes legislative contest as Senators weighed the merits of a reform package, they said would “finally bring the University in line with global best practices.
The day’s business featured a string of bills from amendments to the Federal Medical Centres Act to new legislation for national emergency security funding but none commanded the Senate’s attention like the hotly contested Nigeria Army University Act Amendment Bill (SB-833).
The lead sponsor, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, took the floor to argue that the Army University, established in 2020 as a specialized institution for research, innovation, and military capacity development, required urgent legislative refinement to eliminate ambiguities impeding effective administration.
According to him, the amendment seeks to:
1. Clarify the appointment of the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor
2. Strengthen the Governing Council with representation from the Armed Forces, academia, and host communities
3. Improve accountability and governance structures in line with other federal universities
“This bill does not alter the character of the University,” he emphasized. “It strengthens its foundation and ensures its unique mission serving both military and civilian populations is not compromised by administrative gaps.”
Lawmakers from diverse constituencies lined up in support.
Senator Ndume hailed the bill as “straightforward and necessary,” urging his colleagues to fast-track it.
Senator described it as “a simple, necessary alignment with global standards,” adding that the university’s proximity to his constituency made its success a matter of personal and national interest.
Another Lawmakers, praised the amendments for bringing military education “in sync with contemporary demands,” arguing that a modern military university must integrate robust governance with academic autonomy.
“This will strengthen the production of officers and civilians who study side by side,” he noted. “It is the kind of reform that today’s realities demand.”
The debate was not without friction.
Senator Adams Osomole raised concerns about ambiguous terms such as “key academic institutions” and the scope of military representation.
But the Senate President Senator Akpabio quickly intervened, clarifying that such granular issues belonged to the clause-by-clause committee stage, not the general debate.
“Let us comply with the procedure,” he said firmly. “This is the second reading, the stage for broad debate, not technical dissection.”
A chorus of “Aye!” from across the chamber ultimately carried the motion, confirming overwhelming support for the amendments.
Despite moments of tension, the Chamber demonstrated unusual cohesion, buoyed by a shared understanding of the University’s role in national security strategy. Senator Ndume and others urged colleagues to allow the bill to move forward given its urgency and the institution’s unique mandate.
With the second reading secured, the bill now heads to the Committee on Tertiary Education stage where Senators will scrutinize every clause before returning it to the chamber for final passage.
For a University sitting at the intersection of academic research and national defense, Thursday debate may prove a defining step toward becoming the modern institution lawmakers say Nigeria desperately needs.
As the Senate President put it after the final vote: “It speaks for itself, it only seeks to do the needful.
