The Nigerian Army established 22 new Command Secondary Schools across the country in the last four years, to foster the educational needs of ‘our personnel and society at large’, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has said.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Army headquarters Procurement Seminar for Commandants, Bursars and Administrative Officers of Command Secondary Schools in Abuja, the COAS said, the establishment of the schools was done side by side with special interventions carried out in the areas of construction and renovation of classrooms, provisions of ICT Centers as well as the vehicles to meet trainings and operational requirements.
“We shall continue to look inward in upgrading our schools and collaborate with the relevant stakeholders towards their effective development. I will want to mention however that the maintenance of facilities and equipment in our schools rest really on those saddled with the responsibility to administer the schools at any given time” he said.
“This important duty requires us all to be alert at all times and to be prudent. It is a challenge to us all and mark of responsibilities, and ensures accountability which requires a change in attitude from all personnel.
Noting that the seminar was the fifth of the series which has continued to provide the avenue to imbue participants with the requisite knowledge in procurement procedures and ethics, the COAS said it will aid them in contributing to procurement matters in the field.
“This forum presents us the opportunity to appraise our performances in Nigerian army schools with a view to reinvigorating our effectiveness and enhancing our efficiency.
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“The importance of this seminar is reflected in the choice of the theme, which is “Enhancing the Capacity of personnel for efficient procurement and financial management in Command Secondary Schools”.
“The theme has been carefully chosen to reinforce and demonstrate my total commitment to training and manpower development of personnel as a sure of means of increased efficiency and productivity in the system.
“The topics as drawn from the theme of this seminar are quite germane and designed to broaden your knowledge in procurement and financial matters.
“I therefore implore you all to take maximum advantage of this seminar in order to improve on your professional competence and intellectual capabilities.”
“As you are all aware, this seminar could not have come at a better time than now especially when there are new efforts to improve the infrastructure and internal accounting procedures in our command schools across the country.
“The quality and standards of our schools is paramount in the development of society as well as future leaders in different fields. This calls for prudent management of available resources and capacity to generate revenues in order to ensure the attainment of our desired goals.
Acting Director, Department of Procurement at Army headquarters, Brigadier General Essien in his welcome address stated that the objective of the seminar is to broaden the knowledge of officers on the implementation and workings of the public procurement act 2007 and other areas of utmost importance in line with the COAS directive to ensuring accountability.
Some of the papers to be presented include ‘Understanding the Public Procurement Act 2007: Implication of Good Governance in Institution by Mallam Mamman Ahmadu, DG Bureau for Public Procurement; ‘Optimization of Project Management in Command Secondary Schools: Issues and Way Forward by Brigadier General CA Bossman; and ‘Financial and Procurement Audit for Effective Administration in the Nigerian Army Institutions: An Overview by Brigadier General AA Adesope
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