In a bid to bolster education within the Nigerian Army community, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Brigadier General Ibikule Ajose, has officially commissioned the Command Children School at the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Gusau.
During the commissioning ceremony, Brigadier General Ajose lauded the establishment of the school as a commendable and forward-thinking initiative for the community.
“Education is very vital to the development of any society, hence it gladdens my heart that this project has come to fruition. It is gratifying to know that it is free education, therefore parents don’t have any excuse not to send their children to school,” he stated.
The GOC praised Brigadier General S. Ahmed, Commander 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, for his instrumental role in the establishment of the school and his unwavering dedication to the welfare and education of the barracks community. A standing ovation was given in his honor.
In his welcome address, Brigadier General S. Ahmed, who also commands the Joint Task Force (Northwest) Operation Hadarin Daji in Zamfara and Kebbi states, reflected on his year-old promise to provide comprehensive educational facilities in the Nigerian Army cantonment, Gusau. He detailed the extensive efforts made to uplift and renovate the school facilities to high standards.
“I promised members of our families that for every school that is going to be run in Nigerian Army Cantonment Gusau, it is going to be run to the standard we always prayed for. To break the shell, I promised that we are going to operate a school where students will not pay school fees, will not buy uniforms, will not buy books and will not buy anything to come to school,” Brigadier General Ahmed declared.
He acknowledged the support and contributions of the GOC in realizing this vision, noting that the school is now equipped with uniforms for 240 pupils, customized books, writing materials, and sportswear. Additionally, a new block of three classrooms has been constructed for the junior secondary school.
Initially constructed by the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, the Command Children School had fallen into neglect and dilapidation. However, through the efforts of the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, the facility has been fully renovated and equipped for the 2024/2025 academic session. The school now boasts whiteboards, tables, chairs for pupils, office furniture for staff, uniforms, and educational materials for the pioneer pupils.
The mission of the school is to provide a high standard of education with enhanced learning outcomes through improved school management and broad participation from the host community.
The ceremony was well-attended by members of the barracks community, including the wives of senior officers and soldiers, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life and education for the families of Nigerian Army personnel.
