The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged graduating students of the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, to exercise caution in their use of social media and remain committed to discipline and professionalism throughout their military careers.
The advice was delivered during the 68th Passing Out Parade of the Nigerian Military School held on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State.
According to a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X handle, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Military School, Captain Chikadibia Anele, said the COAS, who was represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Major General GM Mutkut, also charged the graduating students to uphold human rights principles and strictly comply with rules of engagement and standard operating procedures while carrying out military responsibilities.
He said, “You are expected to competently operate within the stipulations of the tenets of human rights and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures in the conduct of operations.”
Shaibu described the completion of the six-year academic and military training programme as a major achievement for the graduating students, noting that the institution had equipped them with the values and skills required for national service.
“Today marks the successful completion of a comprehensive and rigorous training regimen spanning over a challenging six years. Significant efforts have been made to transform you into disciplined, resilient and patriotic young men equipped with the requisite skills to serve our nation with a high sense of professionalism, excellence and integrity,” he said.
He encouraged the graduates to maximise the Nigerian Army’s career development initiatives, particularly sponsorship programmes that provide opportunities for further education in universities and other higher institutions across the country.
According to him, “The rich foundation you have received here is your greatest advantage as you step into the next phase of your lives. I encourage you to utilise the robust career development opportunities available through the Nigerian Army Sponsorship Programmes for soldiers.”
The Army Chief also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support towards enhancing the military’s operational effectiveness and improving the welfare of personnel.
He further warned the graduating students against the misuse of social media, stressing that sharing classified or unauthorised information could jeopardise military operations and national security.
“You must be cautious in your use of social media and avoid disclosing unauthorised information that could compromise military operations or national security,” he cautioned.
Shaibu urged the new graduates to uphold the values of the Nigerian Military School by remaining disciplined, loyal and dedicated wherever they are assigned.
The 68th Passing Out Parade celebrated the graduation of another batch of students from the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, following the successful completion of six years of combined military and academic training.
