Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s educational reforms, insisting that quality learning is a powerful weapon against insecurity.
Speaking at the unveiling of Kaduna Christian Academy—a school built by associates of DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi for the Christian community—both leaders stressed that an informed citizenry is vital for national security.
General Musa argued that true national defence goes beyond troop deployments and air strikes. He emphasised that lasting peace requires defeating ignorance and hopelessness. “This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands,” he said.
The minister praised the DSS for complementing its security duties with community development projects, proving that internal security involves winning hearts and building a better future. An educated population, he said, provides a stronger defence against extremism than force alone.
Musa urged parents to prioritise education, recalling his own humble beginnings. He noted that Kaduna has witnessed improved security and governance through collaborative efforts across all levels of government. He commended Governor Sani for fostering inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
He also warned that security agencies cannot defeat bandits and terrorists without public support. Criminal elements often rely on local informants for logistics. “If we keep quiet, they will destroy us; if we speak out, they lose ground,” he stated, calling for timely intelligence sharing.
The minister described the academy as a symbol of interfaith harmony and urged the community to maintain high standards and encourage civic participation, including voter registration.
Governor Sani, represented by Attorney General James Kanyip, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to quality education. He said every classroom built creates opportunities and strengthens communities. The commissioning, he added, represents hope and transformation, not just a new building.
CAN Northern Chairman Rev. John Joseph Hayab noted that the DSS boss facilitated the project recognising education’s role in tackling insecurity and poverty. Chief Imam Prof. Suleiman Adam appreciated the gesture as a boost to interfaith harmony. Malam Musa Suleiman, speaking for the DG’s friends, reiterated that education addresses root causes of insecurity.