The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, ably represented by the Naval Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has described the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, as a rare institution that has consistently produced disciplined, resilient and loyal leaders for Nigeria across both military and civilian life.
Speaking at the 38th anniversary celebration of the NMS 82 Alumni, the CDS said nothing makes him prouder than being an “NMS boy,” noting that the school’s values of loyalty, discipline and service remain his guiding light in leadership.
General Musa, who addressed a cross-section of ex-boys, recalled how NMS offered its students equal opportunities—uniforms, books, food, and training—thereby instilling in them the spirit of resilience, healthy competition and teamwork. He urged alumni to remain good ambassadors of the institution, reminding them that younger students are watching and learning from their example.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in upholding the NMS tradition of loyalty and discipline, stressing that the military is committed to restoring peace and dignity to the nation while maintaining respect in the international community.
Calling for unity and continued support for their alma mater, Ogalla said: “Even after 38 years, our journey is only beginning. As alumni of NMS 82, let us give back to our school and continue to serve our nation with loyalty and distinction.”
He commended the organizers and members of the alumni association for sustaining the spirit of brotherhood, urging them to keep making both NMS and Nigeria proud.
In his keynote address, the Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Retired Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa, hailed the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, as a crucible of discipline, loyalty and resilience that has continued to shape generations of leaders.
Marwa recounted how his own NMS journey began in 1966, barely a week before the January 15 coup, when he and his colleagues were first exposed to the realities of service and sacrifice. He said the school instilled in them values that became “lifelong immunizations against weakness, indiscipline and self-destruction.”
The NDLEA boss praised the Class of 1982 for their remarkable achievements, noting that for the first time in history, one set has produced two serving Service Chiefs — Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff. He described their loyalty to their alma mater and their projects for NMS as symbols of gratitude and enduring service, stressing that greatness is not measured only by offices held but also by what is given back
Turning to national issues, Marwa highlighted the NDLEA’s war against drugs, warning that drug abuse fuels insecurity, terrorism, and moral collapse. He revealed that in the past two years, the agency intercepted over 1.8 billion tramadol tablets and 400 million bottles of codeine syrup, alongside a shipment of 500,000 Captagon tablets destined for insurgents. He urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to embrace discipline and resilience, stressing that the country needs not only soldiers with weapons but citizens of character to win the war against drugs and build a stronger nation.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the President of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) 82 Alumni Association, Retired Lt.-Cdr. Jim Bent, described the NMS experience as a life of discipline, brotherhood, and resilience that continues to shape members decades after graduation.
Speaking at the 38th anniversary reunion of the Class of 1982, Bent reflected on his early days at NMS, recalling the culture shock of military boarding life and the strong bonds that helped him endure.
"At that young age, NMS taught me lessons that shaped the person I am today… I built a lifelong bond with my company son. He became like family, and to this day, our relationship is one of the most rewarding outcomes of my time at NMS,” he said.
The Alumni President highlighted the enduring friendships and shared adventures that defined their youth, from late-night escapades to the “legendary dicks”—light-hearted rivalries that strengthened camaraderie. “Long before Netflix, we had our own seasons… yet at the end of the day, we remained brothers,” he told the gathering.
Retired Lt.-Cdr. Jim Bent noted with pride that the Class of 1982 has produced achievers across business, government, and the armed forces, including two serving Service Chiefs. He emphasized that the story of the alumni is still being written and urged members to give back to the institution that shaped them, while also supporting one another.
Drawing from Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech, he described his classmates as men who dared greatly and continue to excel in different fields. “From boys to men, from cadets to leaders, we have dared greatly—and we continue to do so,” he declared.
He concluded by saluting the alumni for their achievements, calling for stronger unity, and affirming that their best years still lie ahead. “May our brotherhood remain strong, our legacy endure, and our best years still lie ahead,” he said.
Renowned leadership coach, Fela Durotoye, has urged members of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Class of 1982 to emulate Africa’s “Great Generation” by creating value and instilling values for the next generation. He drew parallels between the Class of ’82 and the young leaders of the 1945 Fifth Pan-African Congress in Manchester, who, without wealth or titles, laid the groundwork for Africa’s independence. “Greatness is never about what you have in your hands, but what you hold in your heart,” he said.
Durotoye commended NMS for raising leaders of excellence through its motto of Discipline, Knowledge, Patriotism, noting that the alumni themselves were living proof of its success. He stressed that just as the independence generation secured freedom for Africa, today’s leaders must secure a better future for those coming behind by investing in modern classrooms, hostels, teachers, and learning tools, while also opening doors of mentorship, internship, and scholarships for current students of NMS.
Highlighting the ten value pledges affirmed earlier in the day by the Class of ’82, including integrity, patriotism, discipline, and excellence, Durotoye challenged the alumni to embody these values daily. He called on them to rise as a “Great Generation” of their own time, declaring: “We may not have everything in our hands, but we have greatness in our hearts. Let us lead in such a way that the next generation will one day call us—the Great Generation.”
The colourful gala night which took place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja, not only rekindled fond memories of brotherhood and camaraderie but also reinforced the alumni’s commitment to giving back to their alma mater and the nation at large. With inspiring tributes, renewed pledges, and a celebration of enduring friendships, the NMS Class of ’82 reaffirmed that their journey of service, discipline, and leadership is far from over — and that their best contributions to school and country still lie ahead.