Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Benue-born student, Boy Sergeant Odaudu Dan Ogbeche Jnr, has emerged as the Overall Best Student of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, clinching the prestigious Chief of Army Staff Award and several other honours for outstanding academic and military performance. The announcement was made on Sunday, August 2, 2026, following the school's 68th Passing Out Parade held on Saturday, August 1, at the NMS parade ground in Zaria, Kaduna State. The ceremony marked the graduation of Senior Secondary School III students and celebrated the exceptional achievements of the institution's top-performing cadets.
Odaudu, who hails from Iga-Okpaya in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, topped his graduating class after an exceptional display of academic excellence, discipline, and leadership. His outstanding performance earned him the school's highest academic distinction as well as multiple awards, including the Overall Best Boy in Academics (SS3) – Chief of Army Staff Award; the Late Major O.O. Odina Excellence Award for exceptional academic performance; Third Overall Best Boy in Military Training (SS3); Best Boy in Computer Studies (SS3); and Best Boy in Civic Education (SS3). In addition to the honours, the outstanding cadet received substantial cash prizes in recognition of his achievements.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Odaudu dedicated the feat to God and expressed gratitude to his parents and the Nigerian Military School authorities. "I give all the glory to Almighty God for His grace and guidance. I appreciate my parents for their prayers and encouragement. I sincerely thank the Chief of Army Staff and the Commandant of the Nigerian Military School for providing an enabling environment where young people can discover their talents, build character and strive for excellence," he said.
The Nigerian Military School, Zaria, established in 1954, is renowned for grooming young Nigerians through a blend of academic excellence, military discipline, and leadership training. The school has produced thousands of alumni who have distinguished themselves in the armed forces and various sectors, contributing to Nigeria's national development. The passing-out parade was also an opportunity for the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to charge the graduating students to uphold the tenets of human rights and strictly adhere to the Rules of Engagement and Standard Operating Procedures in the conduct of military operations.
The event was attended by senior military officers, traditional rulers, parents, and well-wishers, including the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, who was represented at the occasion. The Emir of Zazzau commended the school for its continued commitment to producing disciplined and well-rounded young leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. He also congratulated the graduating students and urged them to remain dedicated to the values of integrity, discipline, and service to the nation.
The Nigerian Military School's 68th Passing Out Parade was a celebration of excellence, discipline, and the enduring values of military education. Odaudu's achievement as the Overall Best Student, coupled with his multiple awards, has brought pride to his family, his community in Benue State, and the entire NMS fraternity. His success story serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians, demonstrating that with hard work, discipline, and determination, excellence is achievable even in the most demanding academic and military environments. As he embarks on the next phase of his journey, Odaudu carries with him the hopes of his community and the lessons of leadership and service instilled in him by the Nigerian Military School.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments