Nigerian Army perfoms ground breaking for Command Secondary School in Kontagora Military Cantonment
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna
In a significant development, the Nigerian Army has held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Command Day Secondary School at the Kontagora Military Cantonment in Niger State.
The ceremony was officiated by Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who was represented by Major General John Sokoya, Commander of the Nigerian Army Training Center. General Oluyede stated that the establishment of the secondary school is a key aspect of his command philosophy, which prioritizes the welfare of troops and their families.
He highlighted that the absence of a secondary school in the cantonment had previously posed a considerable challenge for the smooth transition of pupils from primary to secondary education. Oluyede underscored the importance of education in societal development, noting that the new secondary school would provide access to quality education for both the children of military personnel and the host community.
“The school will serve as a hub for community engagement, promoting peaceful coexistence between the military and the local population,” he said. He further reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to providing quality education, explaining that the construction of the secondary school would help facilitate a seamless transition for pupils moving from primary to secondary school.
In his welcome address, Major General Zakari Abubakar, Commander Corps of Artillery, emphasized that the project aims to offer quality education to both military personnel’s children and the host community. He noted, “Upon my assumption of duty, we recognized a gap in the educational system for the children in the cantonment, as there has been no secondary school since the establishment of the barracks.”
Abubakar pointed out that the only educational facilities available within the cantonment were the Army Children School, established in 1973, and the Vulcan Nursery and Primary School, established in 1995. He mentioned that yearly enrollment from both the barracks and the host community exceeds 1,000 pupils, who face challenges transitioning from primary to secondary school upon graduation.
Following a needs assessment, it became clear that the lack of a secondary school in the cantonment was a significant obstacle for the dependents of military personnel, negatively impacting troop morale.
The commander expressed gratitude to the COAS for approving the establishment of the school, stating that this initiative would help bridge the educational gap caused by the absence of a Command Secondary School.
