50 years after, military school ex-boys recommit to nation-building

Old students of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, set 74-79, have pledged to continue contributing to nation-building by offering solutions to challenges facing Nigeria.

Chairman of the set, Colonel Alphonsus Ayim (retired), assured that as beneficiaries of one of the finest military institutions in the country, the alumni will always appreciate their alma mater and continue offering their service towards building the nation.

He stated this at the Golden Anniversary celebration and reunion of the set, over the weekend in Abuja.

He noted, “For the past fifty years, all of us at different levels have contributed immensely to nation-building. Amongst us, we have senior retired officers, Major Generals, Rear Admirals, medical doctors, and professors who have worked in various capacities to build this nation.

“We have been supporting our alma mater, the NMS, as a way of giving back. Even during this Golden Anniversary celebration, we have reserved funds. We have set aside two million naira for a library project for the school from our contributions, and we will present this to the commandant of the school.”

Addressing his set-mates, the chairman said, “At our ages now, we have to continue taking care of ourselves, our health, and continue doing what we have been doing. We met each other 50 years ago, and we have discussed ageing-related issues that will be beneficial to all of us at this stage.”

Former spokesman of the Nigerian military armed forces, Major General Chris Olukolade, also a member of the set, expressed confidence that as old soldiers, their patriotic contribution to national development will only improve.

He said, “We are celebrating our 50th year of being together as old soldiers from when we assembled in the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. We are celebrating the fact that many of us have had the privilege to contribute to national development in various areas, and this gathering brought together a number of our members from all over the world.”

Speaking on the enduring bonds of the set’s members, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Golden Anniversary, Dr. Reuben Jigah, said the gathering reflects their journey as a set but more importantly celebrates life as classmates and the bonds of friendship through the years.

“As we gather to mark this significant milestone, we honour and cherish the legacy of our alma mater, the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. We remember the bonds that have stood the test of time—the laughter, the fights, and more recently, our interactions on our WhatsApp platform—all expressing our human nature and individual differences.

“I encourage us to engage one another, renew our friendships, re-bond, and connect more closely. Let us cherish this time together, rekindle our relationships, and forge new ones. Let us honour our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a brighter future,” he urged his set mates.

Presenting a lecture on health challenges associated with ageing, such as prostate cancer and diabetes, Professor Canice Asonye of the University of Benin encouraged set members to pay attention to their diets, conduct regular medical checkups to monitor their health, and engage in exercises beneficial to their bodies.