The Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo, has been named after the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, informed journalists Monday shortly after Buratai gave the maiden lecture at the site of the centre in Okada, where he also laid a foundation block.
Ezemonye said the aim of the centre was to be a world-class centre of excellence on emerging security challenges confronting the world, adding that the history of the centre began with a proposal placed before the university Senate, which had been approved since January 17, 2017.
Ezemonye said when the centre became fully operational, it was expected to be at the forefront of the cutting edge on researches that interrogate emerging security challenges of local and global concerns.
The challenges, he said, ranging from conflicts to terrorism and insurgency, small arms proliferation, sea piracy, war, international relations, human trafficking, cybercrime, among others, would be dealt with in the security centre.
“In this connection, our strategy is to create a faculty that provides knowledge-based interventions for effective enforcement response.
“Beyond research and knowledge production, the centre shall actively engage in the dissemination of acquired knowledge and through trainings of military personnel.
“The centre shall sign collaborative MoUs with selective centres of excellence with global visibility.”
Buratai had earlier said that it was an honor for such an important centre on security to be named after him.
“It is greater honour to deliver the key lecture, `Military and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Appraisal of Nigerian Army Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations.” Buratai promised that the military would continue to do its best in combating insecurity in the country.
