TRADOC Commander Charges NMS Zaria Graduands To Uphold Discipline, Honour, Service

ZARIA -  The Nigerian Army has challenged graduands of the Nigeria Military School, NMS, Zaria, to live by the values of discipline, honour and selfless service as they exit the institution. 

 
The charge was delivered on Wednesday, 30 July 2026, during the school’s Beating of the Retreat Ceremony marking the end of the 2025/2026 academic session.  

The Commander of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, TRADOC, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, delivered the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour. 

 
Maj.-Gen. Malla, an alumnus of the school, admonished the graduating students to carry the NMS tradition with pride. “I urge you to remain patriotic, disciplined and committed to excellence in all your future endeavours,” he said.

  He further reminded them of the weight of their heritage as products of NMS. “You are custodians of this school’s proud history and reputation. Uphold its core values and demonstrate courage, honour and integrity in every place life takes you,” the TRADOC Commander stated.  

Speaking on the tradition, Maj.-Gen. Malla described the Beating of the Retreat as central to military culture. “The Beating of the Retreat is one of the most enduring traditions in the military profession. It represents discipline, vigilance and esprit de corps, and it reinforces the values that have sustained military excellence over generations,” he said.  
“It serves as a solemn reminder of the discipline, vigilance and collective commitment that define the profession of arms.”  

In his welcome remarks, the Commandant of the Nigeria Military School, Brig.-Gen. Owoicho Ejiga, said the event offered a moment to reflect on the school’s progress.  “This ceremony gives us the opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements, discipline and lasting values while celebrating a tradition that we hold dear,” Brig.- Gen. Ejiga said.  

He explained the meaning behind the day’s military drills. “The sounding of the retreat and the lowering of the national colours highlight the principles of duty, honour, loyalty and selfless service that form the foundation of every successful military institution,” he said.  

The commandant also described the occasion as significant for the graduands. “Today’s ceremony is a major milestone for our graduating boys. It marks the successful completion of a critical phase of their training and prepares them for bigger responsibilities outside the walls of this school,” Brig.- Gen. Ejiga added.  

He expressed appreciation to dignitaries and supporters of the institution.  “I thank Maj.-Gen. Malla for accepting our invitation despite his tight schedule. I also appreciate our alumni, officers, invited guests and friends of NMS for their continuous support and confidence,” he said.  

Series News Online reports that the Beating of the Retreat brought the 2025/2026 academic session of the Nigeria Military School, Zaria, to an official close.