…As he receives NAPTAN Excellence Award
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education as the cornerstone of sustainable national development, describing it as the most effective tool for building a strong, united and progressive Nigeria.
According to a statement by Enderline Chukwu, deputy director, Information and Public Relations in the ministry Gen Musa made this assertion on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, where he was honoured with an Award of Excellence by the association.
The Defence Minister stressed that meaningful national development can only be achieved through quality education that moulds character, instils discipline and promotes responsible citizenship.
According to him, education goes 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 the home and the classroom jointly shape a child’s values, character and future potential.
He called on parents to take greater responsibility in guiding and disciplining their children, adding that moral values and sound upbringing are essential for producing citizens who will positively contribute to society.
The Minister further highlighted the Federal Government’s investments in advancing education and acknowledged the critical role of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) as part of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC).
He noted that PTAs have consistently made meaningful contributions to school development and effective governance across the country.
Earlier, the leader of the NAPTAN delegation and National President of the association, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing General Musa as Minister of Defence, describing the appointment as a divine intervention aimed at addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Danjuma expressed confidence in the Minister’s capacity to deliver on his mandate.
He explained that the Excellence Award was conferred in recognition of General Musa’s strategic leadership, commitment to institutional development and sustained support for initiatives that strengthen national security and defence capacity.
According to him, the award also reflects the Minister’s visionary leadership and the ongoing reforms under his stewardship that continue to enhance Nigeria’s security architecture and promote sustainable national development.
The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of the Award of Excellence to the Defence Minister by the NAPTAN National President.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, congratulated the Minister on the well-deserved honour, praising his tireless efforts in ensuring peace, security and the protection of future generations.
He also lauded NAPTAN for its partnership with the Ministry in nurturing discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility among Nigerian youths, noting that such collaboration is laying the foundation for a stronger, safer and more united nation.
