The Army Chief Lauds NAEC’s Transformative Initiatives and Pledges Unwavering Support
In a resounding tribute, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has praised the ongoing transformation efforts of the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC).
The COAS expressed his commendation while delivering the keynote address as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the NAEC Combined Third and Fourth Quarter Conference, held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Army Institute of Science, Education, and Technology (NAISET) in Ilorin.
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During his address, the COAS emphasised the commendable journey of growth and innovation undertaken by NAEC, stating, “NAEC of today is undergoing a commendable journey of growth and innovation. The renewed drive at providing effective educational services to the Nigerian Army (NA), ensuring professional development of personnel within the Corps, and the transformation of command schools reflect a profound understanding of the pivotal role knowledge plays in shaping a modern society.”
General Lagbaja further underscored the significance of upscaling the NA’s educational facilities, asserting, “The upscaling of the NA’s educational facilities to bring back the glorious days of NA schools is a cardinal tenet of the welfare pillar of the administration of my Command Philosophy.”
He assured continuous support for all NA training schools, including those administering civil courses through NAEC and Command Secondary Schools, with a commitment to providing affordable and qualitative education for personnel and their wards.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division NA, Major General Bamidele Alli Alabi, the COAS extended his deepest gratitude to NAEC for its steadfastness in fulfilling its professional roles, commitment to excellence, and contribution to ongoing efforts in shaping the future of the NA, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the nation’s development.
Earlier in his welcome address, Corps Commander Education (CC Edn) Major General Bello Alhaji Tsoho highlighted NAEC’s substantial growth and increased responsibilities.
“NAEC has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, with a significant increase in responsibilities and modest positive influence in the NA,” remarked CC Edn. He added that NAEC consistently aligns itself with the operational concept of the NA, actively training personnel to add value to ongoing NA operations.
General Tsoho reiterated that Headquarters NAEC has instituted an “Award of Academic Excellence” to recognise and reward deserving students in Command Schools nationwide. He conveyed gratitude to the COAS for approving the conference and pledged NAEC’s commitment to realising the COAS Command Philosophy.
The opening ceremony of the NAEC Combined Third and Fourth Quarter Conference, themed “Consolidating the Nigerian Army Education Transformation Process in Support of the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy,” featured the presentation of awards to distinguished NAEC officers. A special presentation was accorded to Master Oyediran Felix Akintoye from Command Secondary School Saki, recognised as the overall best male student among all public schools in Nigeria in the last WAEC 2022 examination.
The event’s pinnacle included a guided tour and commissioning of various projects by the COAS and CC Edn, led by the Commandant NAISET, Major General SS Ibrahim. Commissioned projects encompassed the newly reconstructed Torch Bearers Arena, foundation laying for a mini-mart and kitchen, the Commandant’s Conference Room, a newly constructed Photo Stand, along with other renovated classrooms, student hostels, and a Multi-Purpose Hall.
The Army Chief Lauds NAEC’s Transformative Initiatives and Pledges Unwavering Support