In a significant demonstration of its commitment to community development and national progress, the Nigerian Army inaugurated a newly constructed administrative block and library at Government Secondary School (GSS) Wase, Plateau State, on Saturday, January 10, 2025. The project, executed under the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) program, marks a strategic investment in education and a tangible effort to strengthen the bond between the military and the civilian populace.
The event was a moment of celebration for the Wase community, drawing attendees from all walks of life. The project was spearheaded by Major-General Abubakar Wase, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander of Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma. In his remarks, General Wase framed the initiative as a product of his personal passion for youth educational development, viewing it as an investment in the nation’s future leaders. He urged the school community to ensure the proper utilization and preservation of the facilities for generations to come.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, represented by Major-General Folusho Oyinlola, GOC of 3 Division, delivered a keynote address that placed the project within the broader strategic context of the Nigerian Army’s role. He emphasized that contemporary security challenges cannot be solved by military might alone but require sustained collaboration and trust with the civil populace. “The Nigerian Army remains committed to contributing positively to society while strengthening civil-military relations,” he stated, underscoring that projects like this are foundational to building that essential trust. He directly charged the students to leverage the new facilities to remain focused and strive for academic excellence.
This intervention is particularly noteworthy for its location and timing. Wase Local Government Area, like much of Plateau State, has experienced periods of insecurity. By choosing to build a library and administrative block, the Army is addressing a core human need—education and opportunity—which is widely recognized as a critical, long-term stabilizer in conflict-prone regions. The library provides a sanctuary for learning and intellectual growth, while the new administrative block will improve the school’s operational efficiency, creating a better environment for both staff and students.
In a heartfelt vote of thanks, the school Principal, Malam Musa Ajiya, expressed profound gratitude. He highlighted the dual impact of the Army’s work: enhancing national security while simultaneously fostering educational development. Ajiya encouraged other institutions and individuals to emulate this gesture of giving back to society, noting that such infrastructure directly translates to improved performance in the learning environment. He pledged the school’s commitment to the proper maintenance of the new buildings.
The ceremony’s highlights included the formal unveiling and inspection of the new buildings, as well as the presentation of teaching aids to the four districts within the school’s catchment area. This final touchpoint ensures that the investment extends beyond bricks and mortar to include the tools necessary for effective instruction.
This project at GSS Wase stands as a concrete example of the Nigerian Army’s evolving CIMIC doctrine in action. It moves beyond short-term humanitarian assistance to a sustainable, capacity-building partnership. It signals a understanding that true security is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of opportunity, education, and a shared stake in a community’s future.
