Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa(rtd), has said that expanding access to quality education remains one of the most effective ways to combat terrorism and violent extremism across the country.
The minister made the statement on Sunday during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Sabon Tasha, located in Chikun Local Government Area. The school was constructed by the Department of State Services (DSS) as part of efforts to promote community development and strengthen security through education.
Speaking at the event, Musa described Nigeria’s security challenges as an “asymmetric war” driven by radicalisation, misinformation, and extremist ideologies. According to him, education provides a powerful tool for countering such threats by equipping young people with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and hope for the future.
“As Minister of Defence, I view this school as a critical military asset without a single rifle,” he said. “True and lasting security is anchored on the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness.”
The minister noted that the commissioning of the academy represented more than the opening of a school, describing it as a symbol of community resilience, collaboration among stakeholders, and the human-centred approach to national security.
The Kaduna Christian Academy was built through a partnership involving the DSS, Nest Global Resources, Dan Oil Exploration Limited, and Tantina Security Services. The project follows a similar educational intervention in Danbushiya, also in Chikun LGA, where a school was constructed for the Muslim community.
Musa commended the DSS for broadening its role beyond traditional security operations and contributing to social development.
“By constructing this academy, the Service has shown that internal security is not just about surveillance and arrest. It is about winning the confidence of the people,” he said.
Addressing students, parents, and community members, the minister described the school as a sanctuary of hope where children would learn academic subjects alongside values such as tolerance, citizenship, and critical thinking.
He also encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility and work closely with security agencies to protect it, stressing that education infrastructure should be viewed as a community asset rather than a target for criminal elements.
Although the academy is intended to serve the Christian community, Musa said it stands as a symbol of interfaith harmony and inclusive development, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of religious background.
The event was attended by Kaduna State government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. Governor Uba Sani, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, welcomed the initiative and pledged continued collaboration between the state government, security agencies, and private-sector partners to promote education and development.
The Federal Government has repeatedly identified education as a key component of its broader strategy to address insecurity, particularly in communities vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.
