The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), has called on the Nigerian military to collaborate with the universities in the country in the area of research to solve some of the challenges confronting the force.

Prof. Ambali, who made the call last Monday (February 1, 2016) while welcoming the new Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Sobi, Ilorin, Brig.-Gen. Ayo Fayehun, to his office, pledged that the University of Ilorin would welcome suggestions from the military in areas of research that would contribute to the strengthening of the force.

The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that it is a normal global practice for the military to partner the universities to conduct research and develop different military hardware and software.

He noted that the University of Ilorin is committed to applied research that has direct impacts on the community. Prof. Ambali assured the Commandant of the University's continued support for the Nigerian Army School of Education, saying that the University is established to make impact through its services and research.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Commandant, who is an alumnus of the University, for flying high the flag of the University, adding that "our degrees broaden the minds of our products for assessment, judgment and positive action. We prepare out students to be ready to function in any sphere of the society". On the academic stability being enjoyed by the University, the Vice-Chancellor told the Commandant, "We have not closed our door to our students in the last 15 years. Our students are a different breed that comes up with creative ideas, which are implemented by them with minimum input from the administration." Telling the Commandant that "we cannot divorce our stability from the work you are doing", Prof. Ambali pledged the University's readiness to continue to contribute to the improvement of NASE through the continuous moderation of its NCE programme.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the recent drone project of the University of Ilorin was carried out mostly by the students of the University, calling on the Nigerian Army to tap into the drone project for military surveillance. Earlier in his address, the NASE Commandant expressed his excitement to visit his alma mater, thanking the University for the "invaluable support" it has given the Army School over the years.

rig-Gen. Fayehun thanked the management of the University for releasing their lecturers to build the capacity of army officers, calling for greater cooperation and continuous support to make NASE an excellent institution of learning. The Commandant, who afterwards visited the University's Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), on a courtesy call on the Centre's Director, Dr. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, said that NASE would not be what it is today without the CPSS.

In his response, Dr. Adedimeji said that it was good to have a distinguished alumnus of the University of Ilorin as the Commandant of NASE. The CPSS Director noted that the Centre would continue to do the best for NASE, disclosing that discussions are at advanced stage on the possibility of allowing military personnel to obtain Masters' degree from the University after completing their Senior Executive Management Programme. Other top NASE officials that accompanied the Commandant on the visit were Col. Y. Z. Momoh, Deputy Commandant; Col. E. C. Echebiwe, Chief Instructor; Col. M. Kuta, Col. M. A. Uba, and Col. A. A. Goni, Capt. H. O. D. Arobieke, and Capt. V. B. Ogunbiyi.