…says schools represent “critical military asset without rifles”
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has said expanding access to quality education in underserved communities remains central to Nigeria’s in for tackling terrorism and violent extremism.
He stated this on Sunday during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The school was constructed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to a statement issued by Leah Katung-Babatunde, special assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence on Sunday, .General Musa said Nigeria’s security challenges amount to an “asymmetric war”, where extremist groups rely on radicalisation and misinformation, making education one of the most effective countermeasures.
“As Minister of Defence, I view this school as a critical military asset without a single rifle,” he said.
“True and lasting security is anchored on the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands.”
He described the commissioning as more than a ceremonial event, but a demonstration of community resilience, inter-agency cooperation and the human dimension of national security.
The Kaduna Christian Academy was built by the DSS in partnership with Nest Global Resources, Dan Oil Exploration Limited and Tantina Security Services. It follows a similar intervention in Danbushiya, Chikun LGA, where a school was also constructed for the Muslim community as part of efforts to promote inclusive development.
Musa praised the DSS for what he described as a shift in approach to internal security, saying the agency was contributing beyond surveillance and enforcement.
“We see the DSS in a different light — as builders of the future,” he said. “A secure mind, one that is educated and enlightened, is the best defence against the merchants of chaos.”
He urged residents of Ungwan Sunday and Kaduna State to take ownership of the facility, saying it would serve as a centre of learning, citizenship and social cohesion.
For students, he said the school represents hope and an opportunity to acquire not only academic knowledge but also values such as tolerance and critical thinking.
For parents, he said it demonstrates that the state has not abandoned communities affected by insecurity, adding that it reflects long-term commitment beyond electoral cycles.
For the state, he noted that the project complements ongoing education initiatives and bridges gaps between security operations and community development efforts.
Although designated as a Christian academy, the minister said the institution symbolises inter-faith harmony, mirroring earlier interventions aimed at supporting both Christian and Muslim communities.
Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Justice, Barr. James Kanyip, welcomed the initiative and pledged continued collaboration between the state government, security agencies and private partners to advance development.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers and members of the clergy.
