Major General Zakari Abubakar Commissions Newly Remodeled Vulcans Nursery and Primary School in Kontagora Cantonment
By Passman Akpos
The Commander Corps of Artillery, Major General Zakari Abubakar, has commissioned the newly remodeled Vulcans Nursery and Primary School at the Kontagora Military Cantonment, Niger State.
The project, spearheaded by the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Kontagora Chapter, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar, was conceived to create a more child-friendly and conducive learning environment for the children of military personnel and residents within the cantonment.
The commissioning ceremony, held on October 31, 2025, brought together senior military officers, heads of sister security agencies, education officials, members of NAOWA and NASWA, as well as families and friends of the military community.
In his remarks, Major General Abubakar reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that education remains a vital component of his leadership philosophy.
> “The welfare of our troops and their families directly impacts morale, productivity, and overall well-being. This aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy—the ‘Soldier First Concept’—which prioritizes the well-being of soldiers to enable peak performance,” he stated.
He described education as “the most enduring legacy a leader can give his people”, emphasizing that the remodeling of the school was part of a broader effort to ensure access to quality education for children of military personnel.
Major General Abubakar revealed that the project was one of several initiatives approved by the former Chief of Army Staff and current Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and completed under his command. He expressed appreciation to his predecessors for establishing the school and sustaining its legacy.
He also thanked the Commandant of NASA, staff officers at Headquarters NACA, brigade commanders, commanding officers, and other senior officers—both serving and retired—who supported the successful completion of the project
.The Commander further urged the teachers to recommit themselves to their duties and ensure that the pupils receive not only quality academic instruction but also sound moral guidance, stressing that the future of the nation depends on the quality of education imparted today.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Fumilayo Adeyemi, Head Teacher of the school, expressed profound gratitude to Hajiya Maryam Abubakar for initiating the project and to Major General Abubakar for his visionary leadership and sustained support for educational development within military communities.
The pupils of the school delighted guests with cultural performances, educational presentations, and appreciation speeches in honor of the Commander Corps of Artillery.
The event concluded with the cutting of the commissioning tape, unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and group photographs with dignitaries.
