NADCEL 2026: COAS Rewards Outstanding Students, Promotes Youth Role in National Security
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has rewarded outstanding students who emerged winners in the Quiz, Debate, Essay, Poetry and Arts competitions organised as part of events marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Presenting cash prizes to the winners on Saturday July 4, 2026, the Army Chief said the competitions were designed to encourage critical thinking, innovation, patriotism and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians, while strengthening ties between the Nigerian Army and educational institutions.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that national security is a collective responsibility that requires a whole-of-society approach, noting that the youth have a critical role to play in promoting national unity, resilience and lasting peace.
Among the beneficiaries were Officer Cadet Olokor Razak Oghale of the Nigerian Defence Academy, who won the tertiary poetry category; Shittu Muyide Marvel, a 500-level Medical Sciences student of the University of Ilorin, who emerged winner of the Arts Competition; and Abdulmalik Ibrahim, a 400-level Computer Science student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who placed third in the tertiary arts category.
Other award recipients included Emmanuel Chibuzo Chukwu, Daniel Akinyiwola, Amen Gloria, Amina Mustapha and Angel Olaedo Egbukohia, who excelled in the various poetry categories.
The Nigerian Army said the awards underscore its commitment to recognising academic excellence, inspiring the next generation of patriotic leaders and strengthening civil-military relations through meaningful engagement with Nigerian youths as the NADCEL 2026 celebrations continue.
