The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and Christian leaders have identified quality education, active citizenship, and community cooperation with security agencies as critical tools in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and other security challenges confronting the country.
They spoke during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy, a faith-based school donated to the Kaduna Christian community by friends of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi. As a reminder, friends of the DSS boss donated an Islamic school to the Muslim community in Danbushiya, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, in May 2025.
Describing the academy as a strategic non-kinetic intervention, the Defence Minister said national defence extends beyond military deployments, intelligence gathering, and air power, stressing that lasting security can only be achieved by defeating ignorance and hopelessness.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power or intelligence gathering. However, true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands,” he said.
Musa commended the DSS for complementing its traditional security role with community development initiatives, noting that the agency had demonstrated that internal security is not only about surveillance and arrests but also about winning public confidence and building a better future.
According to him, an educated and enlightened population offers a stronger defence against extremism, criminality and social instability than force alone. He added that the school would equip children with academic knowledge, critical thinking skills and sound moral values.
The minister urged parents to prioritise their children’s education, recalling his humble background and stressing that every child possesses the potential to rise to the highest positions in society through hard work, education and divine grace.
He noted that Kaduna State had recorded significant improvements in security and governance through the combined efforts of the federal, state and local governments. He also commended Governor Uba Sani for promoting inclusion, development and peaceful coexistence.
Musa praised 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 defeat bandits and terrorists without the support of citizens, warning that criminal groups often rely on local collaborators for information, logistics and other forms of assistance.
“If we keep quiet, they will continue to destroy us. But if we speak out, they will not have any space to survive,” he said, urging residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
The minister maintained that while military operations remain necessary, non-kinetic measures such as education, community engagement and social development are equally important in achieving lasting peace. According to him, a literate society is better positioned to reject extremist ideologies and support security efforts.
Musa described the academy as a symbol of interfaith harmony and national unity, urging the 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.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality education, describing investment in learning as critical to the state’s future development. Governor Uba Sani made the declaration through the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. James Kanyip.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal, human capital and social development. Every classroom built creates opportunity for learning. Every child educated strengthens our communities, and every investment in education contributes to a more prosperous future for our state and the nation,” he said.
Kanyip described the commissioning as more than the opening of a new structure, saying it symbolised hope, opportunity and transformation. “Today, we are not merely opening a new building. We are celebrating hope, opportunity and transformation,” he stated.
According to him, the facility demonstrates a collective commitment to investing in the future of children and strengthening society through education.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the DSS boss facilitated the project in recognition of education as one of the most effective tools for tackling insecurity, poverty and social challenges in Nigeria.
“Today is more than the opening of a school building. Today is the opening of doors to opportunity, doors to knowledge, doors to growth and a brighter future for our children,” he said.
Hayab noted that many communities still 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 background, deserves access to quality education, moral guidance and the opportunity to dream big,” he stated.
He explained that Kaduna Christian Academy was founded not only to provide academic excellence but also to nurture discipline, character, faith, leadership and compassion among learners.
