The National Open University of Nigeria has proposed the establishment of study centres within military barracks nationwide, as the institution and the Nigerian Army deepen discussions on strategic collaboration to strengthen national security through education.

The proposal was tabled by NOUN Vice Chancellor Professor Udoma Oji Udoma during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, where he also called for enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Army University, Biu. Udoma pledged the university's continued support in developing intellectually sound and mission ready soldiers.

Receiving the delegation, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to knowledge driven security solutions, describing education as central to addressing evolving and asymmetric security threats facing the nation.

Shaibu maintained that modern warfare increasingly demands intellectual superiority alongside conventional military capabilities, and identified advanced studies in intelligence, cybersecurity, and strategic leadership as priority areas for integration into military training frameworks.

"The Nigerian Army is committed to institutionalising partnerships that will build a corps of intellectually agile and professionally competent personnel capable of countering emerging threats across all domains," Shaibu stated.

The Army chief described NOUN's technology driven and flexible learning model as a strategic asset aligned with the Nigerian Army's transformation agenda, noting that such collaboration supports the long term goal of strengthening national resilience and safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity.

Shaibu further stressed that the partnership reflects a broader institutional resolve to ensure that military personnel are equipped not only with kinetic capabilities but with the intellectual frameworks required to navigate complex security environments.

Udoma commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts in maintaining national security and expressed confidence that expanding access to flexible education within barracks would significantly enhance the professional competence of serving personnel.

Both institutions concluded the visit with a shared commitment to advancing a security framework anchored in education, strategic leadership, and institutional collaboration.