Benin, Nigeria: The Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Benin, has graduated 226 personnel from professional courses designed to strengthen the Army’s operational efficiency.
Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Adegbite, Commandant of the NASST, stated that the graduation marked the conclusion of the school’s third-quarter courses for 2025.
The courses, according to him, included the Fire and Safety Officers Course, Fire and Safety Upgrading Course, Driver Upgrading Course, Driver Basic Course, Supply/Storeman Upgrading Course, and Catering Basic Course.
“I am confident that the students are eagerly waiting to put into practice the lessons learnt from this elaborate and demanding training,” Adegbite said.
The commandant applauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for continuous support to NASST programmes.
He also lauded the trainers of the staff led by the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Brig.-Gen. K. E. Inyang, for their “tremendous efforts in shaping and moulding the graduands.”
He commended partners such as the Edo State Fire Service, University of Benin, 7UP Bottling Company, Guinness Nigeria, and several hotels and institutions in Benin, describing their support as “invaluable.”
The Special Guest of Honour, Maj.-Gen. Ebun Mustapha, Director of Communication Satellite at the Defence Space Administration, Abuja, hailed the graduates for their resilience and urged them to embody the highest standards of professionalism in their respective units.
“Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduating students, who have completed a critical stage in their professional development.
“To the graduating officers who have completed the Fire and Safety Officers Course, I commend your diligence and perseverance in mastering the intricacies of your field.
“Your skills and expertise will be invaluable assets as you embark on your military careers,” Mustapha said.
The senior army officer also charged soldiers trained in driving, catering, and supply management to recognise the vital nature of their roles.
“Your commitment has equipped you with the essential skills needed to support and enhance the operational capabilities at your various formations.
“Your roles in ensuring the efficient movement of personnel and supplies, as well as maintaining the highest standards of catering services, are paramount to achieving the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy.”
Earlier, Bring.-Gen. Iyang, the deputy commandant of the school, explained that the training was designed to build competence in core areas, including logistics, catering, supply, fire safety, and driving, with a balance of academic, practical, and doctrinal exercises.
He revealed that the school integrated seminars, industrial attachments, and practical fire safety assessments in Edo institutions to expose participants to real-life situations.
“Discipline remained a watchword throughout the training,” Inyang stressed, adding that the graduates “distinguished themselves through hard work and commitment.”
The ceremony culminated in the formal presentation of certificates to the 226 graduates, who will now return to their formations across the country to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational efficiency.