In affirmation of his ‘Soldier First’ mantra, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has commissioned newly constructed Infantry Model Command Day Secondary School (IMCDSC) and 17 blocks of accommodation for soldiers and their families in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna. The COAS inaugurated the welfare projects on Friday 21 February, 2025, while concluding a 5-day operations tour of the North West theatre of operations.

Speaking during the commissioning, the COAS reminisced that as the Corps Commander Infantry, shortly before he was appointed COAS, he had vigorously pushed for the initiation of the projects, having realised that there were existing gaps in the quality of post-primary education, as well as acute shortage of accommodation within the Jaji Military Cantonment. He added that as the Chief of Army Staff, he has embraced the same ethos in his quest for the best in terms of welfare for Nigerian Army (NA)soldiers nationwide.

General Oluyede expressed optimism that the investment made in building the school will be justified by turning out students who will become professionals in the future and contribute positively to the growth and development of the nation.

He posited that the school is to bridge the gap for educational infrastructure in the cantonment and meet the educational needs of soldiers’ children. He described the projects as part of the fulfillment of his command philosophy and his ‘Soldier First’ mantra.

The COAS entreated the young student’s of the school to strive to excel in their studies and remain disciplined. He advised them to pursue different career paths that will enable them to add value to national development and become good leaders in the future.

In his remarks, the Commander Infantry Corps Major General Abdulkalifa Ibrahim described the projects as a rich legacy that will rejuvenate the quality of education given to officers and soldiers children in the cantonment. He expressed appreciation to the COAS for the initiative and successful completion of the projects. Gen Ibrahim urged the school management, staff and students as well as the soldiers and their families to wisely utilize and adequately maintain the school and accommodation facilities.