GOC 81 Division Inaugurates Modernised Facilities at Command Secondary School, Iyana-Ipaja

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

A solar power station, upgraded security infrastructure, a revamped Computer-Based Test centre, and several other newly completed projects were on Tuesday inaugurated at Command Secondary School, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola.

The inauguration ceremony, held on May 26, 2026, drew senior military officers, education stakeholders, staff, students, and invited guests.

Executed under the watch of the school’s acting Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Oluwafemi Olagbende, who took office in January 2026, the projects also include the remodelling of the school entrance gate, renovation of the quarter guard and second gate, renovation and furnishing of the staff room, procurement of communication radios, and provision of uniforms for security personnel.

Major General Babalola described the solar installation as a strategic intervention that would guarantee uninterrupted activity in classrooms, laboratories, and the CBT centre. 

He commended the acting commandant for the speed and scale of transformation recorded since January and appreciated the Parent-Teacher Association, alumni association, and school management for their financial and collaborative support in delivering the projects.

Addressing students, the GOC urged them to remain disciplined, apply themselves to their studies, and make judicious use of the new facilities. He specifically cautioned senior students against bullying and misconduct. 

He restated the Nigerian Army’s commitment, under Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General W Shaibu, to the continuous development of command schools and quality education nationwide.

Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel Olagbende, in his welcome address, described the day as a milestone in the school’s development journey. 

He thanked Headquarters 81 Division, Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers, Commander 45 Engineer Brigade, the Director 81 Division Education Services, the PTA, alumni, and the school management team for their support, and pledged to maintain a safe, disciplined, and academically competitive institution.

The Commander 45 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General MO Momoh, the representative of the Corps Commander Education, principal staff officers, and other distinguished guests were in attendance.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, the ceremony featured a presentation of a Hybrid Early Warning Detective Security System by the school’s JET Club, cultural performances, a guided tour of the facilities, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.