The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has said the Nigerian Army will continue to invest in education as part of efforts to prepare its personnel for future operational and leadership demands.
Speaking at the 67th Passing Out Parade of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Saturday, Oluyede, represented by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, said the army’s educational sponsorship programme was aimed at developing professional competence among its ranks.
“In the Nigerian Army, we are sponsoring soldiers to further their studies in reputable civilian universities and colleges across the country, and ex-NMS boys are among the most outstanding beneficiaries of this scheme,” he said.
“The scheme reflects our commitment to building a well-educated, professionally competent, and future-ready Nigerian Army.”
Oluyede told the graduating cadets that their formal induction into the Nigerian Army came with opportunities and responsibilities.
He said they could pursue further military careers, including applying to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), provided they met the admission criteria applicable to all Nigerians.
He noted that their training at NMS gave them an advantage in the application process due to the military orientation and discipline they had already acquired.
He encouraged them to take advantage of welfare schemes and career development initiatives offered by the army.
“As your Chief of Army Staff, my Command Philosophy is anchored on Readiness, Operational Effectiveness, Sound Administration, and Cooperation with Stakeholders,” Oluyede said. “Central to this philosophy is the ‘Soldier First’ concept, which places the welfare and morale of the other ranks at the core of every decision we take.”
The COAS acknowledged that challenges awaited the new entrants but urged them to meet those challenges with the skills and discipline they had gained during training.
The event was attended by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim, along with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other invited guests.
