Marwa urges NMS students to embrace discipline, avoid drug abuse
By Innocent Raphael
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has urged students of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) to prioritize discipline, hard work, loyalty, and patriotism throughout their studies and beyond.
Marwa delivered this message as the Special Guest of honor and reviewing officer during the 70th Foundation Day parade at the NMS.
He emphasized the importance of the quality education provided by the institution, describing it as a crucial foundation for the students’ future endeavors. He also warned against the dangers of substance abuse.
“The quality of education and solid foundation you have acquired in this prestigious institution is enough to serve as a springboard for your future endeavors.
“herefore, discipline, hard work, loyalty, and patriotism should always be your watchwords and should also guide your actions. I wish you all the best in your ongoing external examinations,” Marwa told the graduating Class 6 students.
He reminded all students of the strict discipline standards maintained by NMS and encouraged them to uphold these values.
“I am aware that your commandant is resolute and has maintained his resolve not to condone or spare any act of indiscipline in the school,” he said.
Marwa also highlighted the adverse effects of drug abuse and urged the students to make positive life choices.
“Studies and living experiences have shown that drug abuse cannot solve any problem. Rather, it creates new complex challenges.
“The good news is that there is the other side of drug abuse for young people, which is intentionally embracing a drug-free life, by choosing positive and healthy habits,” he stated.
Reflecting on his time at NMS, Marwa shared his personal connection to the school, recounting his participation in the foundation day parade as a student.
“On this very parade ground, I marched as a boy from 1966 to 1970. Indeed, I was one of the two stick orderlies on the foundation day parade of 20th May 1966 in my form one where then Lt Col Hassan Usman Katsina, then Military Governor of Northern region was the reviewing officer for that parade.
“It is therefore a great honor and privilege for me to stand before you today as the reviewing officer for the 70th Foundation Day parade of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), fifty-four years after my graduation,” he added.
He praised the school’s significant contributions to national development since its establishment in 1954 and suggested considering automatic admission of NMS graduates into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Marwa further expressed his gratitude to the school management for inviting him to the event, acknowledging the school’s legacy in training young Nigerians for leadership roles within and outside the Armed Forces.
