NADCEL 2026: Don’t joke with your studies, shun drugs, GOC advises students
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase has advised students not to joke with their studies so as not to hamper their future.
The GOC also told the students to avoid illicit drugs, violence and other social vices, as well as uphold discipline at all times and be patrio patriotic.
Maj.-Gen. Wase gave the advice in a message delivered by the Garrison Commander, Brig.-Gen. Anwar Abdullahi to students of Government Day Secondary School Rigachikun, Kaduna State, as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
He said as young people, they must aspire to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria, adding that education, integrity, discipline and hard work remain the surest path to success in life.
The GOC encouraged those interested in joining the military to pursue their dream, saying that as a professional institution, it offers opportunities in diverse fields beyond combat duties.
He explained that NADCEL is being celebrated every year to honour the sacrifices and patriotism of serving personnel, veterans and fallen heroes.
Abdullahi said NADCEL was also an opportunity for the Army to strengthen relationship with host communities, particularly young people, stressing that the military and the Nigerian people remained inseparable partners in nation-building.
He said the Army had recorded significant operational successes in Kaduna State and other parts of the country through sustained operations against criminal elements, while commending law-abiding citizens for supporting security agencies.
Representing the Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Emeritus Abubakar Mohammed Sani Sambo, Dr Saifullah Lamido commended the Nigerian Army for organising the outreach programme and choosing the school as one of its venues.
Lamido said the initiative would deepen understanding between the military and the younger generation while promoting leadership, national unity, peace and security.
He reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to collaborating with institutions such as the Nigerian Army to provide quality education and nurture responsible future leaders.
Earlier, Acting 1 Division Education Services Officer, Lt.-Col. Ahmed Bello, highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in the Nigerian Army, including education, engineering, medicine, information and communication technology, administration and other specialised professions.
Bello said the Army encouraged academic excellence and professional development, noting that many highly qualified professionals, including professors, currently serve in the military.
He also urged female students to consider careers in the Army, emphasising that the institution provides equal opportunities for both men and women willing to serve the nation.
The event formed part of activities lined up ahead of the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration scheduled for July 6.
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