Graduating students of Command Secondary School, Jos, have been urged to prepare for an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future by combining technological competence with ethical leadership, sound judgment and a commitment to serving society.
The charge was given by Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu (Rtd.), who delivered the keynote lecture titled “Preparing Future Leaders for an Artificial Intelligence-Driven World: Opportunities, Innovation and Responsible Citizenship” during the school’s 39th Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Day Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Addressing the graduating class, Rear Admiral Nwatu said the future would not belong to those who merely know how to use Artificial Intelligence but to individuals who possess integrity, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility.
“The future will not be built by AI alone. It will be built by men and women of character who use AI with wisdom, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. Machines may become more intelligent, but only people can become wise,” he said.
He urged the graduands to choose wisdom over convenience, integrity over popularity, service above self-interest and excellence over mediocrity, noting that while AI is transforming every sector of society, the true challenge lies in ensuring that the technology is used to improve lives, strengthen the nation and advance humanity.
According to him, every generation is remembered not by the era into which it was born, but by how it responds to the opportunities and challenges before it.
Representing the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangana, the Special Guest of Honour, Brigadier General Apata, congratulated the graduating students for their outstanding achievements, describing their success as a reflection of determination, courage and intelligence.
He encouraged them to uphold the discipline, leadership and values instilled by the institution, while continuing to pursue knowledge despite life’s challenges.
Brigadier General Apata also commended the school’s teachers and administrators for producing students distinguished not only academically but also in character, urging the graduates to remain worthy ambassadors of the school and contribute positively to national development.
Earlier, the Acting Commandant of Command Secondary School, Lieutenant Colonel Best Evwiehor, described education as more than the pursuit of academic excellence, emphasizing that the institution is committed to producing disciplined, responsible and visionary leaders.
“The future rarely announces its arrival with fanfare. It quietly takes shape in the classroom, grows through discipline and one day introduces itself to the world as excellence,” he said.
He congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to allow the values of integrity, leadership and responsibility acquired in the school to guide them as they embark on the next phase of their lives.
Speaking as the Father of the Day, Hon. Chrisantus Ziphion, who donated ₦1.2 million during the unveiling of the 2026 Year Book and Magazine, urged the graduands to remain steadfast and courageous in the face of future challenges.
He expressed confidence that the solid educational foundation laid by the school would enable them to become strategic leaders and solution providers, not only in Nigeria but across the world.
On behalf of the graduating class, Head Boy Uzoma Ikechukwu Victor and Head Girl Mbaji Chioma Rejoice expressed appreciation to the school management, teachers and parents for their guidance, quality education and mentorship. They pledged to uphold the discipline and values instilled in them throughout their years at the institution.
The colourful ceremony featured cultural dance performances, academic presentations, the official launch of the 2026 Year Book and Magazine, and the presentation of awards to outstanding students and members of staff for academic excellence, leadership and dedicated service.
As part of efforts to encourage character development, the Ejeh Idoga Humanity in Action Foundation presented the Kindness and Respect Award, with cash prizes of ₦250,000 each awarded to two students recognised for exemplary character and positive conduct.
The event attracted military officers, parents, alumni, government officials and distinguished guests who celebrated the achievements of the graduating class while encouraging them to become responsible leaders in an increasingly technology-driven world.
 
 
  
 
 