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It was a day of joy, reflection, and celebration as over 270 students of Command Secondary School (CSS), Suleja, Niger State, bowed out in grand style after six years of rigorous academic and character training.
The 2025 graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday at the school premises, was marked by a colorful speech and prize-giving event, alongside the official launch of a book authored by the graduating class.
The Acting Commandant of the school, Lt. Col. Rufia Aliyu, in his address, acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and resilience displayed by the students throughout their academic journey.
“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 both students and staff,” he said .
“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.”
Lt. Col. Aliyu 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.
He expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for their unwavering support over the years.
Turning his attention to the graduating students, the Commandant offered heartfelt words of encouragement. “You’ve grown in knowledge and in character, now you face the world. Remember the values we have instilled in you which includes, respect, integrity, discipline, and resilience. These will guide you through the next phase of life.”
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 emphasized 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 field of interest and let it complement your academic studies.”
Professor Garba identified leadership, discipline, curiosity, ethics, and integrity as critical traits for success.
He advised students to ask questions, stay curious, and continuously improve through reading and writing.
While he therefore cautioned against the misuse of social media and digital tools such as phones and laptops, which he noted contributed to academic decline when used irresponsibly. Instead, he encouraged students to leverage social media and the internet as tools for learning and personal development.
The professor further advised parents to support their children in pursuing careers of their own choosing, rather than imposing choices upon them: “I appeal to parents please allow your children to follow their passions. When children study what they love, they thrive,” he said.
The event ended on a high note with cheers from proud parents, staff, and friends who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
As the students step into the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the values, discipline, and vision nurtured within the walls of Command Secondary School Suleja.
