Overview and History of Nigeria Army University Biu

 
The Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) is a public tertiary institution located in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria, that represents a bold and strategic step in blending military-relevant research with civilian higher education. Established in 2018, the university was conceived as a centre of innovation, technology development and knowledge generation tailored to meet the defence, security and socio-economic challenges of Nigeria, particularly in the North East region. 

While many Nigerian universities focus exclusively on traditional academic disciplines, NAUB’s mandate is unique — it combines civilian and military components (with its admission policy reflecting a 75 % civilian to 25 % military/paramilitary mix) and emphasises research into technological solutions, innovation and self-reliance in defence production and national development. 

Set in a region previously affected by insurgency, the university offers not only education and research but also hope, stability and economic stimulation for the surrounding community. It aims to provide graduates who are not only academically sound but also character-driven, innovation-oriented and capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s defence and development sectors. Over recent years, NAUB has grown rapidly — with faculties, departments, laboratories and a research orientation that sets it apart from many of its peer institutions.
In this blog post I will navigate through key facets of NAUB — including its official website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation and recognition, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and notable alumni — to present an informative and educative view of this growing institution.

##Official website
The official website for the Nigerian Army University Biu is https://naub.edu.ng/On this portal, prospective students can access admission information, screening notices (for UTME/Post-UTME/Direct Entry), announcements about research and innovation, lecture materials, e-library resources, and updates about the university’s activities. 
Nigerian Army University Biu

The website reflects the university’s commitment to research, innovation and technological advancement, positioning itself as "a solution centre in technology, research and development for the promotion of self-reliance, creativity and innovation." 
Nigerian Army University Biu

For anyone interested in NAUB — whether as a student, researcher or partner — the website is the starting point to explore programmes offered, admission requirements, facilities and current projects.

##Motto
The motto of NAUB is “Knowledge, Creativity and Innovation for National Development.” 
Federal Ministry of Information

This motto encapsulates the university’s three-pillar approach:

Knowledge – emphasising strong academic grounding in sciences, engineering, social sciences and military studies;

Creativity – encouraging students and staff to think beyond the textbook, to design solutions, initiate projects and engage in entrepreneurial thinking;

Innovation – focusing on transforming ideas into usable products, especially in the defence, ICT, renewable energy and allied sectors, thereby contributing to national development and self-reliance.
In other words, NAUB is not just about awarding degrees, but about equipping graduates to solve real problems — particularly those facing the Nigerian Army, the security sector and the wider national economy.

##Founder
The Nigerian Army University Biu was founded by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in conjunction with the Nigerian Army as part of a strategic initiative to develop specialised manpower, research capacity and technological self-reliance. 

More specifically, the idea was championed by then Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Lt-Gen), who brought forward the proposal for the Army to have its own university to meet 21st-century military, technical and research demands. 

Thus, while the legal “founder” is the Federal Government under the auspices of the Nigerian Army, the driving force was this strategic leadership, aligning defence sector needs with higher education.

##History
The genesis of NAUB reflects a forward-looking vision: in October 2018, the foundation for the university was laid in Biu, Borno State, signalling the launch of what was described as the first Army university in Nigeria (and arguably in the Lake Chad basin region) dedicated to research, innovation and military-civilian educational synergy. 

Academic activities commenced in the 2018/2019 session. According to reports, the first matriculation took place on 18 February 2019, admitting students into five faculties: Arts, Management & Social Sciences; Computing; Environmental Sciences; Engineering & Technology; and Natural & Applied Sciences. 
Nairaland

From its inception, NAUB was designed not simply as a traditional university but as a “solution centre” for local and national challenges. Its charter envisioned a vibrant research environment, bottom-up innovation, and production of technological solutions – particularly for defence hardware, ICT, solar accessories, agro-allied production, and community development in the North East. 
Nigerian Army University Biu

Importantly, NAUB emphasises its “green university” identity: an early specification of planting 10-15 million trees in the campus and surrounding area, with each staff, lecturer and student expected to plant at least ten trees annually as part of a canopy project. 
Nigerian Army University Biu

Given its location in Biu — an area previously facing security and development challenges — the university’s establishment represents more than academic expansion: it is a peace-building and redevelopment measure, aimed at transforming a region through knowledge, research, infrastructure and human capital.

Over time NAUB has grown its faculties, departments, student body and infrastructure. For instance, the Faculty of Arts, Management & Social Sciences moved to its permanent site in November 2020, having relocated from earlier temporary structures. 
Nigerian Army University Biu

In October 2023, the university held its first convocation for 417 graduates and conferred honorary doctorates to key figures in recognition of its early achievements. 
dconnectnews.com.ng

In sum, the history of NAUB is characterised by rapid establishment, clear mission alignment, strategic location and an ambition to combine academic rigour with practical innovation for national defence and development.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of NAUB is His Royal Majesty Major-General (Retd) Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Delta State. 

Brief biography

He is a retired Major-General of the Nigerian Army who also holds the traditional title of Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. 

The appointment as Chancellor of NAUB was made in October 2023. 

His selection reflects the university’s bridging of military leadership, traditional authority, and academic governance: his experience as a senior officer and traditional ruler brings gravitas and a network of leadership to the institution’s council. 

In the investiture ceremony, the university conferred him with a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), recognising his distinguished service and leadership. 
majorwavesenergyreport.com

Thus, the Chancellor profile underscores NAUB’s hybrid identity — part academic, part military-institutional, part traditional leadership.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and recognition are critical to the credibility of any tertiary institution, and NAUB has made strides in this area.

The university is listed among public universities in Nigeria, and its establishment is backed by federal authority and the Nigerian Army. 

In August 2025, NAUB achieved full accreditation in the sports domain under the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), which allows full participation of its athletes in national games. 

While specific listings for all programmes and departments by the National Universities Commission (NUC) were not exhaustively cited in publicly available sources, the institution publicly affirms its commitment to accrediting its departments and programmes. 

The university’s infrastructure, labs, hostels, e-library and research facilities are highlighted on its website as part of its readiness to meet accreditation standards. 

In effect, NAUB is recognised as a legitimate tertiary institution in Nigeria with accreditation processes underway — students and stakeholders should however verify specific departments for the latest NUC accreditation status before enrolment.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
The academic structure of NAUB is designed to cover a broad range of disciplines, with emphasis on both civilian and military-relevant fields. Its facilities support research, innovation and student life. Key features include:

Faculties and Departments: The university started with five faculties: 

Arts

Management & Social Sciences

Computing

Environmental Sciences

Engineering & Technology

Natural & Applied Sciences.


##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at NAUB blends academic, research, security and community aspects. Key features include:

Located in Biu, Borno State, the campus environment is designed to be safe (with the backing of military security units) and green, offering students a relatively peaceful setting for study and innovation. 

Students have access to hostels within or near the barracks area, which enhances security and creates a unique military-civilian campus dynamic. 

On-campus or linked medical centre, Directorate of ICT for digital services, labs for engineering/technology and environmental sciences, e-library and student services. 

Regular student activities include clubs and societies, innovation fairs, student union government (SUG) participation, research project exhibitions, and co-curricular events such as student simulation of UN assemblies. 

The “green campus” ethos influences life on campus: tree-planting campaigns, environmental projects, sustainable energy initiatives are embedded in student life. 

The institution emphasises discipline and ethical behaviour; for example, management has declared zero tolerance for antisocial behaviour, cultism, substance abuse and misconduct. 

For incoming students, campus life at NAUB promises a blend of academic rigour, research opportunity, a controlled and secure environment, and chances to engage in innovation-driven projects. For those from outside the region, being in Biu offers the opportunity to study in a region undergoing transformation and to contribute to community development.