COAS Backs Debate on Mandatory Military Service, Says Youths Key to Nation Building
By Matthew Eloyi
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, has thrown his weight behind ongoing national conversations on mandatory military service, describing it as a crucial element of nation building and youth development.
Represented by Lt-Col. Samuel Sanaje at the presentation of the book “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths”, in Abuja, the Army Chief said the publication comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s security and development trajectory.
“I’m honoured to be a part of this significant event, which is the presentation of the book, ‘Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths’,” he said. “This book is a timely contribution to the ongoing discourse on national security and youth development in Nigeria.”
Lt-Gen Shuaibu noted that the idea of mandatory military service deserves serious consideration within the broader framework of nation building.
“I believe that the concept of the mandatory military service is a crucial aspect of nation building. It has the potential to instil discipline, patriotism and a sense of responsibility among our youths,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to its constitutional mandate, saying the institution remains steadfast in defending the nation and promoting peace and stability across the country.
“The Nigerian Army has always been committed to defending the nation and promoting peace and stability. From my observation here, the book has highlighted the importance of involving the youths in the nation’s defence and development efforts,” he added.
Also at the event, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), commended the author and publishers for stimulating intellectual engagement around youth participation in national security, while reiterating the Federal Government’s broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture through professional service and institutional reforms.
The author, Dr MS Abubakar, described the 287-page book as a product of his doctoral research and a contribution to Nigeria’s evolving security discourse. He argued that structured national service, if carefully designed, could help address insecurity, foster unity and equip young Nigerians with valuable skills.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism, Insurgency and Terrorism (BRAVE-IT), Ak Peters, drew lessons from countries such as Finland, South Korea and Israel, stressing that any adoption of mandatory service in Nigeria must be anchored on fairness, strong governance and human rights protections.
