The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education as the most powerful instrument for building a strong, united and progressive nation.
The Minister made this assertion on Wednesday, 14th January 2026, during a courtesy visit by the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
General Musa emphasised that sustainable national development can only be achieved through quality education that moulds character, instils discipline and promotes responsible citizenship. He noted that education goes beyond classroom instruction and requires strong collaboration among schools, parents and communities.
According to the Minister, parents and teachers are the twin pillars of a child’s development, stressing that the home and the classroom jointly shape a child’s values, character and future potential in society. He called on parents to take greater responsibility in guiding, informing and disciplining their children, adding that sound moral values and good upbringing are essential for producing citizens who will contribute positively to national growth.
He further stated that, through collective efforts, significant investments have been made to advance education across the country. The Minister reiterated that the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), as a vital component of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), has continued to receive recognition for its meaningful and impactful contributions to school development and effective governance.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation and National President of NAPTAN, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the Honourable Minister with an enabling environment to excel. He described the Minister’s appointment as not a mere coincidence but a divine intervention aimed at strengthening national service and addressing the country’s security challenges.
Alhaji Danjuma expressed confidence in the Minister’s capacity to deliver on his critical national assignment, describing him as well-equipped and equal to the task. He explained that the Award of Excellence was conferred in recognition of the Minister’s strategic leadership, dedication to institutional development and sustained support for initiatives that enhance national security and defence capacity.
According to him, the award also reflects the Minister’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation, noting that under his leadership, the Ministry of Defence has continued to advance policies and reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and promote sustainable national development.
The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of the Award of Excellence to the Honourable Minister by the National President of the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN).
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, congratulated the Honourable Minister on the well-deserved honour, acknowledging his tireless efforts in promoting peace, security and the protection of future generations. He also commended NAPTAN for its partnership with the Ministry of Defence in nurturing discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility among Nigerian youths, noting that such collaboration is laying a firm foundation for a stronger, safer and more united nation.
