The Vice Chancellor University of Benin, Professor Lilian Salami has solicited for a partnership with the Nigerian Army to acquire knowledge in Forensic and DNA course with the institution.
Prof. Salami made the request when she led a high power delegation of academia and intelligentsia to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai in Army headquarters, Abuja.
According to the VC, Forensic and DNA studies are critical and a veritable tool to be used by a competent security agent to achieve a credible result in this era of dwindling security challenges.
The VC further said, her institution is few amongst the university that offers the course and requested the patronage of the Nigerian army’s personnel to be enrolled in the programme
Professor Salami further suggested that,a bilateral MoU should be signed for the sustenance of the patronage between the university and the NA.
The University done also applauded the Nigerian army for maintaining the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
She recalled the good relationship between the Nigerian Army and the university, and pray for its sustenance.
She urged other security agencies to borrow a leaf from the Nigerian Army.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS),Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai acknowledged that even though is salient, the Forensic and DNA course is very important, critical and standardised aspect of evaluation which create a uniformed searching procedures in cross-border crime.
He said, an officer with food knowledge on forensic and DNA will aid him in tracing a culprit before using the kinetic measures.
Buratai also said, despite the security aspect, it was necessary for the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to acquire knowledge to suit into the knowledge-based society.
“Apart from security, improving the educational aspect of the soldiers is the army’s priority, knowledge is necessary and will continue to partner as we live in the world of knowledge”. He stated.
COAS who was representated by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Army Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun welcomed Prof Salami and her entourage as he also recognised the University of Benin as one of the Most recognised University in Nigeria.
Buratai further thanked the University for recognising the effort of NA in particular for providing the security for the nation and promised to improved upon.
The Army Boss also pledged the resolve of the Nigerian Army to continue with the partnership with the institution.
He urged the University to make a draft to the army for necessary the considerations.