To fulfil the vision of building a future for children, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal and other dignitaries, officially on Tuesday, 8th April 2025 performed the groundbreaking and fundraising ceremony of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) College in Abuja, which is one that resonates with the core purpose of DEPOWA.
In his remarks, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru said DEPOWA's initiative embodies the unwavering commitment of our military and police families to nation-building. He commended the DEPOWA President, Mrs Musa for her visionary leadership in championing this noble cause.
He said education is the bedrock of societal progress, and this college will serve as the beacon of hope, excellence, and opportunity for the children of our brave service members. By investing in their future, we are not only honoring the sacrifice of their parents but also strengthening the foundation of our national security.
"A well-educated generation, nurtured in an environment of discipline and patriotism, is critical to sustaining peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria." he added
The Ministry of Defense stands in solidarity with the power and pledges full support to ensure the timely completion of this project.
We will follow up with you and make sure it is completed at the record time and whatever shortfalls that we envisage, we'll find a way to peel it in and make sure that it is delivered. We recognize the unique challenges faced by families of those who dedicated their lives to protecting our nation.
"This college will alleviate educational burden while fostering academic excellence and moral integrity among students.
He called on all stakeholders, government agencies, corporate organizations, and public individuals to contribute generously to this laudable endeavor while thanking the chief launcher and indeed those that have contributed generously.
The door is still open and we will continue to invest in this project until it is done on the record time.
As we break ground today, we are not merely laying the foundation of a school, but planting seeds for a brighter, more secure Nigeria.
" Let this project symbolize our collective resolve to uplift those who stand at the heart of our nation's defense and security architecture. Therefore, I applauded you madam, your resilience and compassion. To our donors and partners, your generosity will echo through generations. Together we shall build an institution that will produce future leaders, inventors and patriots." he said
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abass ably represented by Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson commended the Defence and Police Officer's Wives Association for this initiative as it is of value to society.
"It is gratifying that the leadership and members of the POA consider the importance of the defense and police officers' rights and consider education as a priority and resolve to channel their energy towards building a school for the children of officers and personnel of the defense sector.
"Those whose parents have dedicated their lives to the security of lives and property through the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Police.
"This is commendable and I congratulate all of you in the POA for contributing to this project. There is one great thing. That education is a bedrock of development. The most important gift every parent can bequeath to their children.
"It is a foundation for one to become whatever one wants to be. Providing access to good education is a legacy that endures for life. Today, the DEPOWA has started a journey that will change and transform the lives of so many children. It is easy for those watching this ceremony to interrogate the project on the proposition that there are so many schools out there.
"So, why should the DEPOWA embark on building new schools? The statistics of children in Nigeria age between 5 to 14. Most registered in school are about 10.5 million. This indicates that the number of schools available to Nigerian children is still far less than the number required to go to school, including the children of the personnel of the security agencies.
"It is not about the number, but the quality of education. It is not about the number, but the quality of education. It's about the quality of the school. On this note, I align myself with this project as laudable. The school as proposed by the DEPOWA is very elaborate and comprehensive. It is exciting that we, the designers, have made provision for facilities that will enhance the total development of children in this school." he said
Also the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christoper Gwabin Musa in his remarks said DEPOWA has continued to be a beacon of hope and support for the families of gallant officers.
He said over the years, the association has played a crucial role in enhancing the welfare of officers’ families, supporting widows, and providing empowerment programs for women and children.
General Musa emphasised that education has always been a critical pillar for national development and societal progress. As we break ground for the DEPOWA College, we reaffirm our commitment to the holistic development of our children and future leaders.
This noble initiative by DEPOWA is not just about bricks and blocks but also about the construction of a future built on knowledge, discipline and character. The establishment of this institution is an investment in the intellectual growth of our youth, ensuring that they receive quality education that aligns with global best practices.
General Musa said the initiative is yet another testament to DEPOWA’s unwavering dedication to societal transformation. It also underscores the critical role women play in shaping the destinies of nations by fostering environments where knowledge and moral values are instilled in the next generation.
"As members of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, we understand the sacrifices that comes with our call to duty. Our commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and security of our nation often demands long absences from our families.
"Consequently, the establishment of the DEPOWA College will provide a conducive learning environment for our children and give our officers the peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving quality education within a structured and secure setting. This will, in turn, strengthen the morale and effectiveness of our personnel as they serve the nation," he said
He said this project is a clarion call for all of us to come together in support of an institution that will stand as a legacy for generations to come. The fundraising aspect of today’s event is of paramount importance, as the successful completion of the DEPOWA College relies heavily on the generosity of well-meaning individuals, corporate organizations, and development partners.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the president, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa revealed that according to UNESCO’s latest statistics, with approximately 20 million out-of-school children, Nigeria has one of the highest number of children excluded from education globally, having a low net enrolment rate of 64.10% in primary education and also a pupil-teacher ratio of 37.55%.
Mrs Musa noted that this demonstrates that classrooms are overcrowded, making them challenging for teachers to provide individualized attention. As DEPOWA members, we are resolved to institute a positive change in this regard by constructing the DEPOWA College to further provide a supportive and nurturing environment for students to develop. We however count on our collective understanding and humane generosity to make this project a reality.
"According to Pope Francis, the head of the catholic church and the sovereign of the Vatican City,” Investing in education means helping children and young people to discover and appreciate the most important values and to have the courage to look into their future with hope” The quote underscores the significance of education in empowering children and young people to become active participants in society, equipped with the values and skills necessary to create a better future.
"For us at DEPOWA, we remain mindful of the huge involvement of our personnel in operations across the country, especially at this time. This project is therefore, equally a direct intervention in support of the non-kinetic operations of the Defence Headquarters and the Services." she added
SpyeTV News reports that, Mrs Musa highlighted the proposed DEPOWA College has an estimated cost of 10 Billion Naira and will be sited on an 8,000 Square Meters of land here in Asokoro Abuja. By the special grace of GOD, It is gratifying to state that architectural and engineering designs for the college are completed and ready, while Original Equipment Manufacturers have been contacted for the relevant equipment.
By the commencement of academic activities, the College would have facilities such as:
a. Modern classrooms equipped with interactive boards
b. Sports and recreational facilities
c. Well stocked library with ICT capabilities
d. Practice rooms for trade subjects and vocational skills such as photography, videography among other facilities that may be necessary for functional learning.
All these will set high educational standards and thus contribute to the overall improvement of education in our country. It will further demonstrate the Government’s commitment to education and its willingness to invest in the future of Nigerian children.