The acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ibikule Ajose, officially commissioned the Command Children School at the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Gusau, on Tuesday.
This significant event marks a notable advancement for the community, as Brigadier General Ajose emphasized that parents now have no excuse for not sending their children to school, given the provision of free education.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Suleiman Omale, Brigadier General Ajose praised the establishment of the school, describing it as a commendable project.
“The initiative is a step forward for the community. Education is very vital to the development of any society; hence, it gladdens my heart that this project has come to fruition,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of free education, stating, “It is gratifying to know that it is free education; therefore, parents don’t have any excuse not to send their children to school.”
During the ceremony, the GOC called for a standing ovation for the Commander of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army Gusau, Brigadier General S. Ahmed, who played a crucial role in the establishment of the school.
Brigadier General Ajose expressed his pride in the Commander’s dedication to the welfare and education of the barracks community.
Brigadier General S. Ahmed, who also commands the Joint Task Force (Northwest) Operation Hadarin Daji in Zamfara and Kebbi states, reflected on a promise he made 12 months ago to provide primary, junior, and senior secondary schools within the Nigerian Army cantonment in Gusau.
He outlined the comprehensive efforts undertaken to uplift and renovate the facilities to meet high standards.
“I promised members of our families that for every school that is going to be run in the Nigerian Army Cantonment Gusau, it is going to be run to the standard we always prayed for. To break the shell, I promised that we are going to operate a school where students will not pay school fees, will not buy uniforms, will not buy books, and will not buy anything to come to school,” Brigadier General Ahmed declared.
He emphasized the support and contributions of the GOC in realizing this vision and noted that the school already has uniforms for 240 pupils, along with customized books, writing materials, and sportswear.
“Additionally, a block of three classrooms has been constructed for the junior secondary school,” he stated.
The Command Children School, initially constructed by the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, had suffered from neglect and dilapidation.
However, through the efforts of the 1st Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, the facility has been fully renovated and equipped for the 2024–2025 academic session.
The school now features whiteboards, tables, chairs for pupils, and office furniture for staff, along with uniforms and educational materials for the pioneer pupils.
Brigadier General Ahmed assured that the mission of the school is to provide a high standard of education with enhanced learning outcomes for all students through improved school management and broad participation from the host community.
The ceremony was attended by members of the barracks community, including the wives of senior officers and soldiers, marking a remarkable milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life and education for the families of Nigerian Army personnel in the state.
