By Ada Nkong
The Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) has affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education as the most powerful tool for building a strong, united, and progressive nation.
He said this during the courtesy visit of the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) on Wednesday 14th January, 2026 at the Ministry’s headquarters Ship
house, Abuja
A statement by Enderline Chukwu
Deputy Director Information and Public Relations says Musa emphasized that national development can only be sustained through quality education that shapes character, discipline, and responsible citizenship. “education goes beyond classroom learning and must involve strong collaboration between schools, parents, and communities” he added.
Speaking further, the Minister informed that “Parents and teachers are the twin pillars of a child’s development” stating that the home and classroom jointly shape a child’s values, character and future potentials in the society. He called on parents to take greater responsibility in ensuring that their children are properly guided, informed and disciplined as moral values and good upbringing are essential for producing citizens who will contribute positively to society.
The Minister said that through collective effort significant investments have been made in advancing education and reiterated that the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) as a vital component of the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) has consistently been acknowledged for its meaningful and impactful contributions to the development and effective governance of school.
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation who doubles as the National President of the association, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for giving the Minister the enabling environment to excel stating that the Minister’s appointment is not a mere coincidence but a divine intervention aimed at further serving the nation and addressing the security challenges confronting the country. He expressed confidence that the Minister is equal to the task and well equipped to deliver on this critical national assignment.
Danjuma said that the Excellence Award is in recognition of the Minister’s strategic leadership, dedication to institutional development and continuous support for initiatives that enhance national security and defence capacity. According to him, it is also a testament for the Minister’s visionary leadership and commitment to safeguarding the nation noting that under his leadership the Ministry of Defence has continued to advance policies and reforms that strengthen the nation’s security architecture and promote sustainable national development.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the Award of Excellence to the Minister by the President National Parents and Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN).
In the Vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Mr Richard Pheelangwah congratulated the Minister for the well deserved award, acknowledging his tireless efforts in ensuring peace, security and the protection of our future generations.
He commended the National Parent Teachers Association for its partnership with the Ministry of Defence in nurturing discipline, patriotism and civil responsibility among the youth noting that through this collaboration the foundation of a stronger, safer and more united country is being firmly laid.
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