Chiemelie Ezeobi
Brilliance, confidence, and intellectual vigour were on full display at the 2025 NAOWA/Command Children School Quiz and Debate Competition, held within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility of the Nigerian Army at the Ikeja Cantonment in Lagos, yesterday.
The grand finale, which brought together pupils from Command Children Schools, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) Schools, and Army Children Schools, was a culmination of days of rigorous academic competition, showcasing the talents of young learners and reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to educational development.
Representing the Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC), Major General Adebukola Peter Oguntola, was Brigadier General M.O. Fakokunde, Director, Directorate of Command Schools Services, who reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to revamping the nation’s educational sector.
“We can all agree that the education sector faces serious challenges—among them, a lack of self-discipline, laziness, insufficient focus on the core purpose of our educational programmes, inadequate funding, and a shortage of dedicated staff. These issues have contributed to a steady decline in educational standards,” Brigadier General Fakokunde said.
“However, we can only rise out of this quagmire through the collective efforts of all citizens and stakeholders in this country. We remain unwavering in his commitment to the advancement of education for both personnel and their children.”
He outlined significant steps taken to improve military-run schools, including scholarships for children of deceased personnel, infrastructure upgrades, and tackling the longstanding employment issues of contract staff in command schools. He described these efforts as “commendable” and worthy of national support.
“This commitment is precisely what underpins the objective of today’s quiz and debate competition, focused on pupils from primary schools. The aim is to help these children learn and grow—recognising the profound impact that education has on a child’s overall development,” he added.
Emphasising the importance of foundational education, he stated: “For years, attention has largely been focused on secondary schools, while basic education at the primary level has received far less emphasis. Yet we must remember the saying: If the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do? The answer is clear.”
Brigadier General Fakokunde stressed that the current NAEC leadership intends to replicate such initiatives across all divisions of the Nigerian Army, with the goal of promoting academic excellence, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.
“In the long run, this initiative will not only enhance the intellectual capacity of our children, but will also instil in them discipline, teamwork, and a healthy spirit of competition—values aligned with the Nigerian Army’s broader commitment to the educational development of young Nigerians.”
Also speaking, Acting Director, 81 Division Education Corps, Lieutenant Colonel O.A. Oluwo, described the occasion as a celebration of “critical thinking, fair play, and intellectual curiosity.”
“Competitions like this play a vital role in shaping the minds of our pupils and honing their cognitive abilities. It encourages them to think deeply, to question, and to seek knowledge beyond the surface,” he said.
She urged participants to value the journey of learning over winning and called on judges and moderators to remain impartial. “Your role is not only to evaluate but to inspire trust in the process,” she said. “Remember, it is our collective responsibility to foster an environment where every participant feels valued and respected.”
“True victory lies not in the accolades we receive, but in the knowledge we gain and the relationships we build along the way,” she concluded.
The Chairperson of NAOWA, Mrs. Zainab Minjiyawa, was represented at the event by Mrs. Rose Pam, who delivered the closing remarks. She praised the pupils for their exceptional performance and thanked teachers, organisers, and parents for their unwavering commitment to child development.
“The quiz and debate have not only showcased the brilliance of our young minds, but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie among students from NAOWA, the Command Schools, and even the Army Children’s School,” she said.
“To all the participants—you have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and eloquence. Each of you has shown that the future is indeed bright and full of promise. The courage to express your ideas and the ability to think critically are traits that will serve you well, not only academically, but in every aspect of life.”
She urged the children to take the lessons learned beyond the competition. “Continue to seek knowledge, embrace challenges, stand firm in your beliefs, and always strive for excellence,” she advised.
“Let us remember that more is the voice that hears—echoing ideas and eloquence. Let’s celebrate not just the winners, but every participant who took part in this journey. Together, we grow stronger.”
At the end of the day, prizes were awarded to top-performing schools. In the quiz category, NAOWA School Ojo came third, while NAOWA Nursery and Primary School, Badagry, clinched second place. Command Children School, Yaba, emerged overall winner.
For the debate competition, Command Children School, Ikeja, and Command Children School, Ojo, took third and second place, respectively. Command Children School, Oshodi, clinched first place.
A special honour was also bestowed on Akpochi Favour of Command Children School, Ikeja, who won the Best Debater Award after impressing judges across all levels of the competition.
The event, attended by officers, parents, and education stakeholders, reinforced the Nigerian Army’s continued investment in educational initiatives that prepare young Nigerians for the challenges of the future.
Leave a comment