NAUB and the Politics of Progress: Why Betara’s Bill Deserves Applause, Not Criticism

In a political climate often clouded by sentiment and misinformation, one thing remains clear: the recent legislative effort by Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, to provide legal backing for the conversion of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) into a conventional Federal University is not only legitimate—it is visionary. And yet, instead of celebration, […]

In a political climate often clouded by sentiment and misinformation, one thing remains clear: the recent legislative effort by Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, to provide legal backing for the conversion of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) into a conventional Federal University is not only legitimate—it is visionary. And yet, instead of celebration, the lawmaker has faced an avalanche of unfounded criticism, much of which appears to be driven more by ignorance than by facts.

Hon. Betara, representing the Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency, recently issued a public clarification regarding the bill he sponsored. According to him, “the decision to convert the university had already been approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, following a request by the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum… Legislative backing was still required. That was the reason for my bill—to formally repeal the status of the institution as a military university and convert it into a conventional Federal University.”

Yet, instead of being recognized for this important role in institutionalizing progress, Betara has become the target of coordinated misinformation. Many of the voices complicating this straightforward matter are not informed scholars or policy experts. They are individuals echoing the sentiments of others who themselves lack the depth to understand the strategic importance of the conversion. The tragedy lies in how misinformation travels faster than reason. As such, what should be an initiative applauded for its benefits is now being clouded by unfounded skepticism.

It is important to state, without apology, that the criticisms being leveled against this legislative move are baseless. Those fanning the flames of confusion have not taken the time to understand the layers of this issue. Instead, they are amplifying hearsay and unfounded assumptions passed along by unschooled individuals, thereby misinforming the very people who stand to benefit most from the bill’s success.

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What is being lost in all this noise is that this legislative action is not a demotion or diversion—it is a strategic elevation. The Nigerian Army University Biu was originally established to serve as a defense-centered innovation hub with a civilian majority—over 75% of its students and academic staff are civilians. The recent implementation of the Oronsaye Report by the Federal Executive Council, which recommends merging certain government institutions for efficiency, inadvertently placed NAUB at risk of being downgraded to a mere faculty within the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna. This would have been an institutional and developmental catastrophe, especially for Borno South.

Let’s be clear: reclassifying NAUB into a single-faculty unit under NDA will cripple academic progress in the region. It would reduce student intake, employment, and research opportunities. It would limit the multiplier economic effects of having a fully-fledged university—housing, transport, commerce, healthcare, and cultural exchange. In contrast, converting NAUB into a full Federal University under the National Universities Commission (NUC) allows for the creation of new faculties, the establishment of a Federal Teaching Hospital, and the advancement of critical partnerships with local and international academic and research institutions. This isn’t just a university—it’s a regional renaissance in motion.

It is always a concern—one deeply felt by constituents who care about truth—that despite Hon. Muktar Betara’s decades-long service and visible impact across health, education, infrastructure, and governance in Borno South, some people remain silent until it is time to throw dirt. And they do not throw that dirt where it belongs—they wait until Betara appears with quiet dignity, then pile blame upon him that rightly belongs to others. Why? Because of his peaceful, non-confrontational nature. Because he leads with compassion rather than drama.

This pattern of behavior must stop. It is a dangerous cycle to only realize the value of a person after he is gone from the scene. The saying is true: people don’t appreciate their assets until they lose them. Wisdom is recognizing the gem you have and cherishing it while it still shines. Hon. Betara is that gem for Borno South. He is not a loud politician, but he is a consistent performer. His handprints are all over federal projects that have transformed the region—from rural electrification to road construction, educational funding to healthcare access.

The passage of this bill is not just a legislative matter—it is a generational decision. At the upcoming committee level, public hearings will provide the space for informed opinions to guide its final shape. That stage is open to all—supporters, skeptics, and stakeholders. But let those who speak at such hearings do so from a place of knowledge, not noise. Let them argue with facts, not fear. Because this bill, if passed, will ensure that Biu continues to rise as a center of learning, innovation, and resilience—not be reduced to a forgotten footnote in national defense bureaucracy.

Let it be understood: this is not a political strategy. This is a policy imperative. It is about giving a future to students who dream of becoming engineers, doctors, cybersecurity experts, and entrepreneurs—not just soldiers. It is about healing a region that has given so much and received so little. And above all, it is about celebrating an opportunity for inclusive national growth—not burying it under the rubble of ignorance.

Let wisdom prevail. Let gratitude lead. Let NAUB rise—not fall—because of one man’s quiet determination to do the right thing, even when misunderstood.