Stakeholders Urge Students To Prioritise Skills’ Acquisition

Stakeholders have called on students to prioritise practical skills alongside academic knowledge as essential tools for success in a competitive world.

They made the call during the 2025 graduation of Command Secondary School (CSS), Suleja, Niger State, where over 270 students bowed out after six years of academic and character training.

The event featured a speech and prize-giving ceremony and the unveiling of a book authored by the graduating class.

The Acting Commandant of the school, Lt. Col. Rufia Aliyu, praised the students’ resilience and hard work, noting that the school had consistently recorded excellent results in external examinations.

He urged the students to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, and respect while preparing to apply their knowledge through relevant practical skills.

“This graduation ceremony is more than a tradition; it’s a platform to celebrate excellence, launch books written by our students, and reward diligence among students and staff.

“We thank Almighty God for granting us the mandate to teach, guide, and counsel these young leaders of tomorrow. We are proud of their achievements and confident that they are ready to compete and thrive anywhere in the world,” he said.

Lt. Col. Aliyu also highlighted the school’s remarkable progress in both academics and infrastructure, noting that CSS Suleja has consistently produced students with excellent results in external examinations, expressing gratitude to parents and guardians for their unwavering support over the years.

“You’ve grown in knowledge and character; now you face the world. Remember the values we have instilled in you, which include respect, integrity, discipline, and resilience. These will guide you through the next phase of life,” he added.

In his keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Professor Isa Garba, Provost of the Nigerian Defence Academy, urged the graduating students to embrace skills acquisition alongside their academic pursuits.

He emphasised that in today’s world, every discipline, be it economics, engineering, agriculture, or technology, requires relevant practical skills to succeed.

“Skill acquisition is no longer optional; it is essential,” he said. “Globally, success is now defined not just by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know. Learn a skill related to your interest and let it complement your academic studies.”

He advised students to ask questions, stay curious, and continuously improve through reading and writing, while cautioning them against the misuse of social media and digital tools such as phones and laptops, which he noted contributed to academic decline when used irresponsibly.