Nigeria’s future hinges on youth discipline — Army Commander

The Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Kano, Brig.-Gen. Saka Jimoh, has urged students to embrace discipline, hard work, and academic excellence as essential foundations for success in life.

Jimoh made the call during a public speaking engagement organised by 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, at Tony Cheta Secondary School, Sabon-Gari, Kano.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event was part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

He emphasised the critical role of teachers in shaping the character and future of young people, describing them as indispensable to nation-building.

“The sacrifices of teachers often extend beyond the classroom,” he said.

Recalling his secondary school experience, Jimoh noted that discipline and guidance from his teachers played a major role in his personal and professional development.

The commander cautioned students against examination malpractice, age falsification, and other forms of dishonesty, warning that such practices undermine future success.

He advised students to focus on building their knowledge base, stressing that secondary school education remains the foundation for future achievements.

Jimoh further urged students to avoid social vices such as drug abuse and internet fraud, while urging for patriotism and commitment to national development.

The commander called on teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to collaborate in improving the education system and eradicating malpractice.

He reaffirmed his commitment to youth development and national service, noting that his military experience in different countries had strengthened his belief in patriotism and discipline.

Earlier, Lt.-Col. Gbenga Adekunle and Maj. Hassan Abdullahi, in separate presentations, urged students to embrace patriotism, honesty, and integrity while avoiding crime, cultism, and drug abuse.

They warned that such behaviours undermine personal development and national security.

The duo said the outreach was aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and sensitising students on the role of the Nigerian Army in national defence and development.

According to them, NADCEL provides an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of military personnel and engage young people on values that promote unity and nation-building.

The officers stressed that patriotism required commitment to national unity, civic responsibility, and respect for Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

Citizens, they added, must contribute to community development and peaceful coexistence.

The Army further cautioned students against criminal activities such as cultism, and substance abuse, noting that such vices often lead to violence, health challenges, loss of opportunities, and social disintegration.

The officers also highlighted career opportunities in the Nigerian Army, including engineering, medical services, logistics, intelligence, communications, and other specialised fields.

They added that enlistment requires Nigerian citizenship, good character, physical fitness, academic qualifications, and successful completion of screening processes.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to civil-military relations through community engagement, medical outreach, infrastructure support, and disaster response activities nationwide.

Also speaking, the Director of the school, Tony Emecheta, commended the Army for its commitment to national security, youth development, and mentorship through educational outreach.

Emecheta said the engagement demonstrated the Army’s role not only in protecting the country but also in shaping the future of young people through guidance and exposure to military values.

He noted that the programme gave students direct interaction with officers, helping them learn discipline, leadership, service, and possible career paths in the Armed Forces.

The school director also expressed appreciation to the visiting officers for their sacrifices in maintaining peace and security across the country.