Aminat Adebowale

Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, on Monday, 29 July, 2024 stated that any society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.

He made this known in the personality lecture titled: THE MILITARY AND THE GOWN:FORGING PARTNERSHIP FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT organized by the Faculty of Arts at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.

It is noted that this statement is made to vividly espouse the reason why military and academics must of necessity work closely if their society must have sustainable development.

In his speech,he made diverse relevant references to different countries and how there is positive collaboration between “The Military” and “The Gown”. “USA military and Universities constantly embarked on robust partnerships that produce groundbreaking research and production of sophisticated weapons, equipment , facilities and skillset leading to advancement in military tactics and strategies while In Israel, several Universities maintain close research collaboration with Israeli Defense Force (IDF)”, he stated.

 He asserts academia experts can provide knowledge to military planners or commanders on their area of operation just as the Operation Desert Storm by US Military in Iraq in 2003, a Professor of Desert Warfare was engaged to give informed details about mankind’s experience on fighting in the desert.

The personality lecture which was hosted by the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan saw to the attendance of important dignitaries such as the Vice-Chancellor represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (academics), Dean of the Faculty of Arts, the University Librarian, Deputy Bursar, Major General Garba Wahab Ayodeji, Major General Obinna Onubogu and many other military dignitaries.

Short notable speeches from other General Obinna Onuwo and the Dean of Arts, also hinged on the fact that partnership between military and gown will create an enabling environment for other aspects of the country to thrive in the drive towards national development.