By Harriet Tornguvan
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to education, describing it as the bedrock for building a strong, united and progressive nation.
Musa made this assertion during a courtesy visit by the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to the Ministry of Defence headquarters at Ship House, Abuja, where the association also conferred an Excellence Award on him.
According to the Defence Minister, sustainable national development can only be achieved through quality education that moulds character, instils discipline and promotes responsible citizenship.
He stressed that education extends beyond classroom instruction and requires strong collaboration among schools, parents and the wider community.
“Parents and teachers are the twin pillars of a child’s development,” Musa said, noting that both the home and the classroom jointly shape a child’s values, character and future potential.
Additionally, He urged parents to take greater responsibility in guiding, informing and disciplining their children, adding that sound moral values and good upbringing are essential for producing citizens who will contribute positively to society.
The Minister further disclosed that significant investments have been made through collective efforts to advance education across the country. He acknowledged the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) as a critical component of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), commending its consistent and impactful contributions to school development and effective governance.
Earlier, the leader of the NAPTAN delegation and National President of the association, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the enabling environment for the Minister to excel. He described Musa’s appointment as divinely ordained, aimed at strengthening national service and addressing the country’s security challenges.
Danjuma explained that the Excellence Award was in recognition of the Minister’s strategic leadership, dedication to institutional development and unwavering support for initiatives that enhance national security and defence capacity.
He added that under Musa’s leadership, the Ministry of Defence has continued to advance policies and reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and promote sustainable national development.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah in a vote of thanks, congratulated the Minister on the well-deserved honour, praising his tireless efforts in promoting peace, security and the protection of future generations.
He also commended NAPTAN for its partnership with the Ministry in fostering discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility among the youth, noting that such collaboration is laying the foundation for a stronger, safer and more united Nigeria.
