Gov Sani, Defence Minister Hail Tinubu’s Education Reforms as Key to Tackling Insecurity

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), have praised President Bola Tinubu’s education reforms, describing quality education as a vital tool in the fight against banditry, terrorism and other security challenges facing Nigeria.

The leaders made the remarks during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy, a faith-based educational institution donated to the Christian community by friends of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

The donation comes barely a year after the same group facilitated the construction of an Islamic school for the Muslim community in Danbushiya, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, a move widely applauded for promoting religious harmony and community development.

Speaking at the event, Defence Minister Christopher Musa described the academy as a strategic non-kinetic approach to addressing insecurity, emphasizing that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone.

According to him, while military strength, intelligence gathering and security operations remain important, the most effective way to secure the nation is by eliminating ignorance and hopelessness through education.

“When we speak of national defence, people often think of troops, intelligence and military hardware. However, true and lasting security is rooted in defeating ignorance and giving people hope. This school is a powerful tool for achieving that goal,” Musa said.

The minister commended the DSS for extending its role beyond intelligence and security operations to community development initiatives that build trust and strengthen society.

He noted that an educated population is better equipped to resist extremist ideologies, criminal influence and social instability, adding that schools help nurture critical thinking, moral values and responsible citizenship.

Musa also urged citizens to support security agencies with credible information, stressing that bandits and terrorists often rely on local collaborators for logistics and intelligence.

“Security agencies cannot defeat criminal elements without the cooperation of citizens. Communities must be willing to speak out and provide useful information,” he said.

The minister further lauded Governor Uba Sani for his efforts in promoting peace, inclusion and development across Kaduna State, while commending the people of Southern Kaduna for their resilience and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Representing Governor Sani at the ceremony, the Kaduna State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. James Kanyip, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.

He described education as a critical driver of human capital development and economic growth.

“Every classroom built creates opportunities for learning. Every child educated strengthens our communities. Investments in education are investments in the future prosperity of Kaduna State and Nigeria,” Kanyip stated.

He added that the commissioning of the academy represented more than the opening of a school building, describing it as a symbol of hope, transformation and opportunity for future generations.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the project was inspired by the belief that education remains one of the most effective solutions to insecurity, poverty and social challenges.

“Today is not just about opening a school. It is about opening doors to knowledge, opportunity and a brighter future for our children,” Hayab said.

He noted that many communities continue to struggle with inadequate educational infrastructure and limited access to quality learning opportunities.

According to him, the Kaduna Christian Academy will focus not only on academic excellence but also on character development, discipline, leadership, faith and compassion.

The Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna, Prof. Suleiman Adam, also commended the DSS Director-General for supporting both Christian and Muslim communities through educational projects.

He described the initiative as a remarkable demonstration of interfaith harmony and national unity.

Speaking on behalf of the friends of the DSS Director-General, Malam Musa Suleiman reiterated that education remains one of the most effective ways of addressing the root causes of insecurity and fostering sustainable development.

The commissioning ceremony attracted religious leaders, government officials, community stakeholders and residents who hailed the academy as a significant step toward strengthening education, promoting peace and building a more united society.