The Area Manager, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Makurdi Area Office, Mrs Sarah Adanyi Adue, has charged newly matriculated students of the Nigeria Army College of Environmental Science and Technology (NACEST) to combine academic learning with practical skills, good character, and to go beyond classroom learning.
She stated this during the 21st Matriculation Ceremony for National Diploma 1 (ND1) and Higher National Diploma 1 (HND1) students of the 2025/2026 academic session held on Saturday, 25 July, 2026, at the NACEST Auditorium, Makurdi, Benue State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Nkuma Mba, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations NASME/NACEST issued to newsmen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Adue said certificates alone are no longer enough in today’s job market… “Don’t just come here to get a certificate. Learn skills, build your character, and be ready for the job market. Employers want graduates who can solve problems and use technology,” she said. She advised the students to take part in industrial training, internships, and entrepreneurship programs. ITF remains committed to partnering with NACEST to equip students with practical skills.
She also warned them to avoid cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, and other vices. “Your character is as important as your certificate. Be disciplined and make your parents proud,” she added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the acting Rector, NACEST, Colonel Olalekan Dimeji Bamiteko welcomed the new intake and congratulated them on gaining admission into the college. He reiterated that NACEST remains committed to its mandate of producing graduates who are academically sound, technically skilled, disciplined, and of good moral character to serve the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
The Rector urged the students to take their studies seriously, obey college rules and regulations, and make good use of all training facilities provided by the college. “Your success here will depend on hard work, discipline, and respect for authority. Shun all forms of misconduct that can cut short your academic journey,” he warned. He further charged the students to see themselves as future leaders who must contribute to solving Nigeria’s environmental and technological challenges.
Col Bamiteko also appreciated parents and guardians for entrusting their children to the college and called on them to support the management in instilling discipline and academic excellence.
A total of 594 students from the School of Environmental Science, School of Engineering Technology, School of Business and Management Studies, and School of Natural and Applied Sciences were matriculated at the ceremony.
