The Nigerian Army has charged graduating boys of the Nigeria Military School (NMS), Zaria, to uphold discipline, integrity and selfless service as worthy ambassadors of the institution.

The commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, gave the charge on Thursday at the school’s 2025/2026 Academic Session Beating of the Retreat Ceremony.

The ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the academic session and is one of the school’s longstanding military traditions.

Mr Malla, who was an old boy of the school, urged the students to remain patriotic, disciplined and committed to excellence in their future endeavours.

He reminded the students that they were custodians of the school’s rich heritage and reputation.

‘’Therefore, uphold its core values and demonstrate courage, honour and integrity wherever life might take you,‘’ he said.

He said that the Beating of the Retreat remained one of the military profession’s most enduring traditions, symbolising discipline, vigilance and esprit de corps.

The major general said the ceremony reinforced the values that had sustained military excellence across generations.

“The ceremony is more than colourful military pageantry.

‘’It is a solemn reminder of the discipline, vigilance and shared commitment that define the profession of arms and military service,” Mr Malla said.

Earlier, the Commandant of NMS, Brig.-Gen. Owoicho Ejiga, said the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements, discipline and enduring values while celebrating a cherished military tradition.

‘’The sounding of the retreat and lowering of the national colours underscore principles of duty, honour, loyalty and selfless service upon which every successful military institution is built,‘’ he said.

He described the event as a defining milestone for the graduating boys.

The commandant also said the event marked the successful completion of an important phase of their training and prepared them for greater responsibilities beyond the school.

He thanked Mr Malla for honouring the school’s invitation despite his demanding schedule.

He also appreciated alumni, officers, invited guests and friends of the institution for their continued support and confidence.

Mr Ejiga reaffirmed the school’s commitment to producing disciplined, responsible and patriotic future leaders.

He expressed confidence that the graduating boys would continue to uphold the institution’s ideals wherever they found themselves.

 (NAN)