Equality in access to education will accelerate peace, national growth – Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday restated the commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring equality in access to education for all Nigerians to ensure national growth, peace and security.
Shettima who spoke at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), said the administration has introduced various measures, including the National Education Loan Fund, a zero-interest loan scheme to support students in tertiary institutions.
The Vice President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Hassan Hadeja, said the programme has already increased access to education for many Nigerian youths who previously faced financial barriers.
“We are confident that the NDA will continue to serve as a credible and reliable partner in building a more stable, dynamic, and secure Nigeria,” he said.
Shettima emphasised the importance of equality in education as a foundation for national growth, peace, and security, and commended the Academy for its unwavering commitment to excellence in both military and academic training.
He stressed that education must remain a tool for unity, discipline, and innovation.
The Vice President charged the graduating cadets to uphold ethics, excellence and patriotism in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
“This institution is unique in Nigeria in the sense that it’s not just about an academic qualification, it’s about the discipline, the character building, the sense of patriotism that everybody who has passed through it imbibes.
“So we’re very proud of the NDA and it is really an honour to have attended this graduation and see the calibre of our graduating students and the excellence in academics as we can see from the numerous prizes that were awarded today.
“So, I call on them to go out there and be good citizens of Nigeria and to never let down the academy and Nigeria,” Shettima said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NDA, Major General Abdul Ibrahim, pledged that the Academy would continue to produce the finest officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces and sister African countries.
He said the NDA has consistently upheld high academic and military standards since its establishment.
A total of 481 cadets, including one from the Republic of Congo were awarded Bachelor’s Degrees, while 2,618 postgraduate students, comprising 134 PhDs, 139 MPhil graduates, 400 Academic Masters, 1,227 Professional Masters, and 718 Postgraduate Diplomas.
This, according to him, reflects the NDA’s growing role in advance research, professional training, and capacity development, adding that they have embraced modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and simulation.
He expressed gratitude to the Presidency, NDA Council, Service Chiefs, and other military establishments for their support in strengthening the academy’s mandate.
Two distinguished Nigerians, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd.), former Minister of Defence, and Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata, were awarded honorary degrees of Doctor of Military Science and Doctor of Management, respectively.
Highlights of the event included goodwill messages from universities across the country, and the inauguration of the 38 Regular Course Maternity Centre constructed and equipped by members of NDA 38 Regular Course.
The facility was commissioned by the President of Defence Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Musa Oghogho.
