By Dare Akogun
The newly appointed Provost of the Nigerian Army College of Education (NACOE), Ilorin, Brigadier General E.C. Echebiwe, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, as part of efforts to deepen inter-agency collaboration and familiarise himself with key stakeholders following his recent posting.
The visit, which took place at the Command Headquarters in Ilorin, was warmly received by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller F.M. Ojeifo, who commended the military institution for its commitment to educational advancement within the security sector.
While addressing the Command, Brigadier General Echebiwe expressed his appreciation to Comptroller Ojeifo for hosting him despite his busy schedule.
He explained that his visit aimed to consolidate the long-standing cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service in Kwara State.
The Provost disclosed that the former Nigerian Army School located in Ilorin has been upgraded to a full-fledged college, now known as the Nigerian Army College of Education (NACOE).
According to him, the institution now offers diverse academic programmes, including a Degree Programme in affiliation with Tai Solarin University of Education, National Certificate in Education (NCE) courses, and specialised schools such as the School of Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Vocational and Technical Education.
He further sought the support of the Customs Command in encouraging its personnel to take advantage of the college’s academic programmes, noting that NACOE is open to both military and paramilitary personnel seeking educational advancement.
Responding, Comptroller F.M. Ojeifo lauded the Nigerian Army’s forward-looking approach in repositioning the institution to provide quality education for security operatives.
He assured the Provost of the Command’s willingness to collaborate on programmes that enhance knowledge, skills, and inter-agency cooperation.
“We welcome your leadership and the transformation of the Nigerian Army College of Education. The Command looks forward to benefiting from this initiative, especially in providing educational opportunities for our officers and men,” Comptroller Ojeifo stated.
He emphasised that the partnership between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service has remained mutually beneficial, particularly in Ilorin, and assured that such synergy will be further strengthened under the current leadership.
Also present at the event were senior Customs officers, NACOE officials, and members of the Customs Public Relations Unit.
The visit concluded with a group photograph and an exchange of commemorative plaques symbolising the cordial relationship between both agencies.
