The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army yesterday, counselled students to embrace education, discipline and patriotism while exploring career prospects in the military.
The Nigerian army gave the counsel when it took its career opportunities campaign to Edo College, Benin.
The outreach formed part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Addressing the students, Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, said the engagement was designed to expose young Nigerians to career opportunities in the army and promote positive values among future leaders.
“This engagement is an aspect of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration because it provides opportunity to interact directly with young people, who represent the future of our great country, Nigeria,” he said.
Balogun said that the army remained committed, not only to defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also to support initiatives that promoted education, leadership development, community engagement and national unity.
He encouraged students aspiring to serve in the armed forces or other public institutions to be focused, uphold high moral standards and work diligently toward achieving their goals.
“The opportunities in the army abound for career development, leadership training and service to the nation for those that are willing to dedicate themselves to training and the noble cause of our dear nation, Nigeria,” he added.
The brigade commander warned against social vices, including substance abuse, cultism, cybercrime, examination malpractice and negative peer influence.
“Success is not achieved through shortcuts but through dedication, determination and persistent efforts,” he stated.
Balogun also urged the students to take their education seriously, describing it as a powerful tool for personal development and national transformation.
Earlier, the Principal of Edo College, Mr Justice Aigbe, commended the Nigerian army for choosing the school for the educational outreach.
He said the initiative underscored the army’s commitment to promoting patriotism, discipline, leadership and constructive engagement with young Nigerians.
According to him, Edo college has produced distinguished military officers whose careers continue to inspire younger generations.
“Today’s engagement provides a valuable opportunity to guide our students toward making informed career choices while steering them away from social vices that threaten their future and the progress of our nation,”Aigbe said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education in Edo, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere, described the programme as an investment in the future of Nigeria.
Otamere, represented by a deputy director in the ministry, Mrs Mercy Idubor, said the collaboration between the education sector and the military would help nurture students that are academically competent, morally upright and committed to national development.
The permanent secretary urged the students to cultivate discipline, integrity, resilience and responsible leadership while shunning violence, drug abuse, human trafficking and other social vices.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnering with the Nigerian army and other stakeholders to promote quality education, civic consciousness and values-based learning among students.
The students’ engagement programme took place shortly after the brigade commander led soldiers and officers on a 10-kilometre route march. (NAN)
