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● As head of DSS, friends donate the school to the Christian community of Kaduna
Defense Minister, General Christopher Musa (rtd) and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, have commended President Bola Tinubu for improving quality education in the country, saying citizenship and community cooperation with security agencies are vital tools in the fight against banditry, terrorism and other security challenges facing the country.
Both spoke during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy, a religious school donated to the Christian community in Kaduna by friends of the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
It may be recalled that in May 2025, friends of the DSS chief had donated an Islamic school to the Muslim community in Danbushiya, Chikun Local Government Area of the state.
Describing the academy as a non-kinetic strategic intervention, the Defense Minister said national defense extends beyond military deployments, intelligence gathering and air power, stressing that lasting security can only be achieved through defeating ignorance and desperation.
“When we talk about national defense, the instinct is to focus on ground forces, air power or intelligence gathering. However, true and lasting security is anchored in one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of desperation. This school is a weapon of mass education in the right hands,” he said.
Musa praised the DSS for integrating its traditional security role with community development initiatives, noting that the agency has demonstrated that internal security is not just about surveillance and arrests, but also about winning the public’s trust and building a better future.
He said an educated and enlightened population offers a stronger defense against extremism, crime and social instability than force alone, adding that schooling would provide children with academic knowledge, critical thinking skills and healthy moral values.
The minister urged parents to prioritize their children’s education, recalling his humble background and stressing that every child possesses the potential to reach the highest positions in society through hard work, education and divine grace.
He noted that Kaduna State has recorded significant improvements in security and governance through the joint efforts of the Federal State and local governments. He commended Governor Sani for promoting inclusion, development and peaceful coexistence.
Musa also commended the resilience and peaceful disposition of the people of Southern Kaduna, urging them to resist attempts by divisive elements to undermine unity and harmony in the area.
He explained that security agencies alone cannot, without the support of citizens, defeat bandits and terrorists. The minister warned that criminal groups usually rely on local collaborators for information, logistics and other assistance.
“If we remain silent, they will continue to destroy us. But if we speak out, they will have no room to survive,” he said, urging residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
He argued that while military operations remain necessary, non-kinetic measures such as education, community engagement and social development are equally vital to ensuring lasting peace, stressing that a literate society is better able to reject extremist ideologies and support security efforts.
Musa described the academy as a symbol of interfaith harmony and national unity, urging management, teachers and community leaders to protect the facility, maintain high academic standards and encourage civic participation, including voter registration and active involvement in the democratic process.
This comes at a time when the Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality education, describing investment in learning as critical to the future development of the State.
Governor Sani made the statement through the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal, human capital and social development. Every classroom created creates learning opportunities. Every educated child strengthens our communities. And every investment in education contributes to a more prosperous future for our state and nation.” He said.
Kanyip said the position represents more than the opening of a new facility, describing it as a symbol of hope and opportunity.
“Today we are not simply opening a new building. We are celebrating hope, opportunity and transformation,” he said.
According to him, the facility demonstrates a collective commitment to investing in children’s futures and strengthening society through education.
In his welcome address, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria for the 19 Northern States and FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the DSS boss facilitated the project by recognizing education as one of the most effective tools to address insecurity, poverty and social challenges in Nigeria.
“Today is about more than the opening of a school building. Today is about opening doors to opportunity, doors to knowledge, doors to growth and a better future for our children,” he said.
According to him, many communities continue to face challenges in accessing quality education due to inadequate facilities, limited learning materials and economic hardship.
“Today we stand together to declare that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to a quality education, moral guidance and the opportunity to dream big,” Hayab said.
He explained that Kaduna Christian Academy was established not only to pursue academic excellence but also to build strong moral values among students.
“Kaduna Christian Academy was established not only to provide academic excellence, but also to cultivate discipline, character, faith, leadership and compassion,” he said.
The Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna, Professor Suleiman Adam, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Muslim community, appreciated the DG DSS for replicating what he has done for Muslims by also establishing a school for Christians. He described the move as great for promoting inter-religious harmony.
Malam Musa Suleiman, speaking on behalf of the friends of the DSS Director General, said education remains one of the most effective tools to address the root causes of insecurity.
