The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling terrorism and violent extremism through expanded access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities across the country.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State , General Musa described education as one of the most effective tools for countering radicalisation and insecurity.
The school, constructed by the Department of State Services (DSS), was unveiled as part of efforts to strengthen community development and promote social stability in areas affected by security challenges.
General Musa described Nigeria’s security situation as an asymmetric conflict in which criminal elements and extremist groups often exploit ignorance, misinformation and hopelessness to recruit followers. According to him, providing access to education remains a critical strategy for addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“As Minister of Defence, I view this school as a critical military asset without a single rifle. True and lasting security is anchored on the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness,” he said.
The minister noted that the commissioning of the academy represented more than the opening of a school, describing it as a demonstration of community resilience, collaboration among stakeholders and the human-centred approach to national security.
The Kaduna Christian Academy was built through a partnership involving the DSS, Nest Global Resources, Dan Oil Exploration Limited and Tantina Security Services. The project follows an earlier intervention in Danbushiya, also in Chikun Local Government Area, where a school was established for the Muslim community as part of efforts to promote inclusive development.
Commending the DSS for the initiative, General Musa said the agency had demonstrated that security institutions could contribute significantly to nation-building beyond their traditional roles of intelligence gathering and law enforcement.
He urged members of the host community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its protection, stressing that the school would serve as a centre for learning, citizenship, tolerance and critical thinking for future generations.
The minister also described the academy as a symbol of interfaith harmony, noting that it complements similar educational interventions undertaken for different religious communities. He called on teachers and school administrators to uphold discipline and professionalism in managing the institution.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by the Commissioner for Justice, Barrister James Kanyip, welcomed the project and pledged continued collaboration between the state government, security agencies and private sector partners to advance education and development across the state.
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The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who commended the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening education and community security in Kaduna.