By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), on Sunday inaugurated the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Bulus, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State.

Musa described education as a critical tool for combating insecurity and building lasting peace.

Speaking at the inauguration, he said the academy, built with support from the Department of State Services (DSS), represented a strategic investment in human capital development.

He said the school would also strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable development.

The minister described the academy as: “A weapon of mass instruction” capable of defeating ignorance, hopelessness and conditions that often fuel insecurity.

“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on military hardware and intelligence gathering.

“However, true and lasting security is anchored on the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness.”

According to Musa, an educated and enlightened population remains the strongest defence against insecurity, extremism and social instability.

He commended the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Adeola Ajayi, and the service for extending their mandate beyond security operations to community development.

Musa said the project showed that internal security was not only about surveillance and arrests.

“It is also about winning public confidence through meaningful social interventions,” he said.

He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and protect it from vandalism.

The minister stressed that the academy’s success would depend on the quality of learning and character development within its walls.

Representing Kaduna State Governor, Mr Uba Sani, the Commissioner for Justice, Dr James Kanyip, described the academy as a symbol of hope and transformation.

The governor said the facility would contribute significantly to educational development across the state.

He added that it would complement government efforts to expand access to quality education.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making education accessible, affordable and equitable for every child.

“Meaningful progress in education requires collaboration among government, communities, faith-based organisations and private institutions,” the governor said.

He commended the academy’s management and supporters for contributing to human capital development.

Earlier, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, represented by Malam Musa Suleiman, said education remained one of the most effective tools for tackling insecurity.

Ajayi said community development, capacity building and youth empowerment were essential to sustainable peace and national development.

He noted that the initiative reflected the DSS leadership’s belief in strengthening security through social investment and educational opportunities.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, Rev. Joseph Hayab, described the academy as the fulfilment of a long-held vision.

Hayab said the project was designed to expand educational opportunities for children in underserved communities.

He expressed appreciation to the DSS leadership and other stakeholders who contributed to the project.

The cleric urged residents of Ungwan Bulus and Sabon Tasha to protect the institution.

He said the academy should remain a centre of learning and character formation for future generations.

Hayab also called on well-meaning Nigerians to support similar educational initiatives across the country.

“Education remains one of the most enduring investments in peace, progress and national transformation,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted government officials, security chiefs, religious leaders, traditional rulers and community representatives.

NAN further reports that in 2025, a similar school project was donated to the predominantly Muslim community of Dan Bushiya in Chikun Local Government Area.

The initiative underscored the DSS commitment to promoting education, social cohesion and interfaith harmony across communities. (NAN)

Update news