Lagos: Army commissions CBT centre, other projects at Command Day Secondary School Oshodi

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and education of personnel’s children with the commissioning of major educational projects at Command Day Secondary School, Oshodi, Lagos.

Speaking at the school’s 2026 Valedictory Service, Prize-Giving Day and commissioning of projects held at the Buhari Hall, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General A.A. Babalola, said the projects were in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of robust administration and improved infrastructure across formations.

Babalola, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, for prioritising the welfare of soldiers and their families through sustained investment in infrastructure.

He noted that 81 Division had maintained a consistent record of commissioning developmental projects across its formations, stressing that the newly inaugurated facilities would directly benefit the children of military personnel.

“One of the pillars of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy is robust administration, which includes the provision of critical infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations and units. Almost every month in 81 Division, we commission projects that positively impact our personnel and their families,” he said.

According to him, providing quality educational facilities for soldiers’ children enables troops deployed on operational duties to focus on their assignments without worrying about the welfare of their families at home.

“The Commandant has ensured that these facilities will be beneficial not only to the teachers and students but also to the Oshodi community. This demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families,” he added.

Earlier, the Commandant of Command Day Secondary School, Oshodi, Lieutenant Colonel D.S. Yakubu, described the event as a celebration of academic excellence, infrastructural development and the graduation of another set of students equipped with discipline and sound moral values.

Delivering his welcome address, Yakubu said the theme of this year’s ceremony, “Rooted in Discipline, Soaring Toward Excellence,” reflected the school’s commitment to character development, quality education and leadership.

He highlighted several projects completed within the last academic year, including the construction of 100 double-seater students’ desks; 10 executive office tables with chairs for teachers; the establishment of a Mathematics Laboratory; and the construction and equipping of a modern Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre with 90 laptops.

Other projects include the drilling of two boreholes to improve water supply, procurement of two refrigerators for the school’s sick bays, repainting of all classrooms and offices, installation of 62 ceiling fans, and renovation of the school’s conference room.

Yakubu disclosed that the CBT Centre was initiated by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and completed through a partnership between the association and the school, describing it as a major milestone in advancing digital education.

He expressed appreciation to the GOC 81 Division for his leadership and support, as well as the Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Education Corps, the Directorate of Command Schools Services, the Division Education Services, the PTA and other stakeholders for their contributions to the school’s growth.

Addressing the graduating SS3 students, the Commandant urged them to remain disciplined and uphold the values of integrity, excellence and hard work instilled in them during their stay in the institution.

“As you leave this school, remember that discipline, integrity and knowledge are your greatest assets. Be worthy ambassadors of this institution wherever life takes you,” he charged.

The event featured the commissioning of the CBT Centre and other educational facilities, presentation of prizes to outstanding students, cultural performances and the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026.

Dignitaries at the event included the Commander, Nigerian Army Education Corps, Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed; Acting Director, Division Education Services, 81 Division, Colonel O.A. Olubo; Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Sarafa Agboola; military officers, parents, teachers and invited guests.