By Bavoriat Clara
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education, describing it as the most powerful tool for building a strong, united and progressive nation.
The Minister made this assertion on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, during a courtesy visit by the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, for the Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, the Minister emphasised that sustainable national development can only be achieved through quality education that moulds character, discipline and responsible citizenship.
According to him, education goes beyond classroom learning and requires strong collaboration among schools, parents and communities. He described parents and teachers as the “twin pillars” of a child’s development, noting that both the home and the classroom jointly shape a child’s values, character and future potential in society.
General Musa called on parents to take greater responsibility in guiding, informing and disciplining their children, stressing that moral values and proper upbringing are essential in producing citizens who will contribute positively to national growth.
The Minister further stated that significant investments have been made over time to advance education through collective efforts, adding that the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), as a key component of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), has continued to receive recognition for its meaningful contributions to school development and effective governance.
Earlier, the leader of the NAPTAN delegation and National President of the association, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the enabling environment for the Minister to excel. He described General Musa’s appointment as a divine intervention aimed at strengthening national service and addressing the country’s security challenges.
Danjuma expressed confidence in the Minister’s capacity to deliver on his responsibilities, stating that the Award of Excellence presented to him was in recognition of his strategic leadership, dedication to institutional development and consistent support for initiatives that enhance national security and defence capacity.
He noted that under General 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 highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Award of Excellence to the Honourable Minister by the National President of NAPTAN.In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, congratulated the Minister on the well-deserved honour, acknowledging his tireless efforts in promoting peace, security and the protection of future generations.
He also commended the National Parents Teachers Association for its partnership with the Ministry in nurturing discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility among Nigerian youths, noting that such collaboration is laying a solid foundation for a stronger, safer and more united country.
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