Quality education essential to defeating terrorism, says Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has described the expansion of quality education as one of the most effective tools for countering terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria. Speaking on Sunday during the inauguration of the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the minister said terrorist groups often thrive on radicalisation and misinformation, making education a critical weapon against their influence.

A statement from his media aide quoted Musa as saying that lasting security is built not just with rifles but by defeating ignorance and hopelessness. He described the newly constructed school, built by the Department of State Services in partnership with private organisations, as a “weapon of mass instruction.”

The minister commended the DSS for going beyond its traditional role of intelligence gathering and law enforcement to invest in education and community development. He noted that such initiatives help win public confidence and create secure minds that resist the messaging of extremists.

Musa urged residents of the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its sustainability. Addressing students, he called the school a sanctuary of hope where they would learn not only academic subjects but also citizenship, tolerance, and critical thinking. He also assured parents that the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to their future beyond election cycles.

The minister added that the academy would support the Kaduna State Government’s efforts to improve access to education while strengthening the link between security operations and community development. Although built for the Christian community, he said the school symbolised interfaith harmony and inclusive development, noting that a similar project had earlier been constructed for the Muslim community.

The Federal Government continues to deepen its counter-terrorism strategy by linking security with social development, with education as a key pillar. The Kaduna Christian Academy is part of broader efforts to address insecurity through access to learning in underserved communities.