Army general praises Nigerian military school for shaping patriotic leaders

July 26, 2026 4:47 pm

A cross section of dignitaries including Maj. Gen. Ahmadu Bello Mohammed, ex- Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria during the Speech & Prize-Giving Ceremony of the Nigerian Military School, Zaria on Saturday.

A cross section of dignitaries including Maj. Gen. Ahmadu Bello Mohammed, ex- Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria during the Speech & Prize-Giving Ceremony of the Nigerian Military School, Zaria on Saturday.

By  Godwin Isenyo

A former Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Major General Ahmadu Mohammed (retd.), has said the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, has sustained its tradition of producing disciplined, patriotic and responsible leaders who have excelled in the Nigerian Armed Forces and other sectors.

Mohammed, an alumnus of the institution, stated this on Saturday while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the school’s 2026 Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony held at the Multipurpose Hall in Zaria, Kaduna State.

He described the school’s enduring reputation as evidence of the commitment of its leadership, instructors and staff to nurturing future leaders, noting that the institution has remained a symbol of excellence in character development and leadership training since its establishment.

“The Nigerian Military School has over the years maintained an enviable reputation for producing disciplined, patriotic and responsible young men who have distinguished themselves in the Nigerian Armed Forces and other professions. This enduring legacy is a testament to the dedication of the Commandant, instructors and staff who continue to mould future leaders for our nation”, Mohammed said.

Addressing the graduating students, the retired general urged them to embrace the next phase of their lives with confidence, describing the completion of secondary education as the beginning of greater opportunities and responsibilities.

“Embracing life after secondary school is about welcoming change and rising to meet new opportunities. It is time to dream boldly, set meaningful goals and pursue your passions with determination,” he said.

Mohammed stressed the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning in an increasingly competitive, technology-driven world, warning that knowledge and skills could quickly become obsolete without continuous self-development.

“In today’s evolving world, adaptability and a hunger for continuous learning are more critical than ever. The tools and knowledge that serve you today may quickly become outdated and irrelevant tomorrow. I encourage you to embrace lifelong learning, remain open to innovation and stay curious. Technology, globalisation and shifting global landscapes will bring new challenges, but with courage and the right mindset, these will become your stepping stones to greatness”, he added.

He also urged the graduating students to remain guided by the values of integrity, discipline and patriotism instilled in them by the school.

“Believe in your potential, trust the training and values you have received during your stay in the Nigerian Military School. Let your integrity guide your decisions and let your ambitions drive you forward,” he said.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Military School, Brigadier General E.N. Ejiga, congratulated the graduating students on completing their secondary education and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.

He reminded them that the school had equipped them with the virtues of loyalty, discipline and commitment, urging them to remain law-abiding citizens and respect constituted authority wherever they found themselves.

“The values you have acquired here should continue to guide your conduct. Remain disciplined, loyal and committed to the ideals of this great institution,” Ejiga said.

Delivering a keynote lecture titled, “Leveraging the Learning Environment in NMS: A Pathway for Achieving Your Future Aspirations,” the Managing Director of Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc, Mobolaji Adewumi, challenged the graduating students to maximise the leadership opportunities offered by the school.

He advised them to remain humble, think strategically and cultivate meaningful relationships that would support their future aspirations.

As part of his contribution to the development of the institution, Adewumi commissioned a renovated and fully furnished administrative block, a project he sponsored.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of prizes to outstanding students for excellence in academics, leadership, sports and other areas, with parents, alumni, military officers and other dignitaries in attendance.

Established in 1954, the Nigerian Military School is one of Nigeria’s foremost military secondary schools and has produced generations of distinguished military officers, public servants and professionals, earning a reputation as a leading centre for leadership, discipline and character development in the country.

Godwin Isenyo

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