Army 81 Div. Champions Innovation Through Research Among Command Schools In Lagos

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing intellectual excellence and innovation among its students with the launch of the 2026 edition of the 81 Division Annual Inter-Command Secondary Schools Research Development and Innovation Competition at Command Day Secondary School, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja.

Declaring the event open, Acting Director of 81 Division Education Services (DDES), Colonel OA Olubo, emphasized that the competition is more than an academic exercise, but a strategic platform designed to cultivate creativity, research, and problem-solving skills among students within the Nigerian Army Command School system.

She highlighted that the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC) was founded on the principle that military strength is measured not only by firepower but also by intellectual capacity.

She noted that NAEC has evolved into a robust hub for research and development, embedding innovation-driven programmes into the Command Schools curriculum.

She acknowledged that every great invention in human history started with a question and the courage to think differently.

According to her, the competition is not only about building prototypes or presenting data; it is about having the courage to ask “why” and “what if.”

The Acting DDES encouraged students to embrace curiosity, resilience, and creativity, stressing that failed experiments are vital steps in the innovation process.

She also commended teachers, mentors, and evaluators for their dedication to nurturing young talents and sustaining NAEC’s vision of intellectual empowerment.

The event featured groundbreaking projects and research presentations by students from various Command Secondary Schools under 81 Division.

Beyond showcasing talent, the competition is expected to strengthen academic excellence, critical thinking, and leadership while preparing students to tackle future national development challenges.

By fostering innovation at the grassroots level, the Nigerian Army is positioning its Command Schools as incubators of ideas that could shape technological breakthroughs and strategic solutions for the nation.