Abuja: The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has taken significant strides to enhance educational opportunities for military families by establishing new schools, upgrading existing infrastructures, and launching teacher development initiatives. Dr. Safiyyah Shaibu, the association’s president, highlighted these achievements during the 2026 NAOWA National Executive Meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Shaibu reviewed the accomplishments achieved under her leadership as the 25th president of NAOWA. She emphasized the association’s sustained investments in education, which include improvements in school facilities, renovations at NAOWA College in Asokoro, Abuja, and the remodelling of the NAOWA Modern Primary School in Jos. Additionally, new schools have been inaugurated in Zaria, Badagry, and at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Abuja. Construction of primary and secondary schools has also begun at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks to offer comprehensive educational systems to children of military personnel and local communities.
Dr. Shaibu announced the recent completion of the 2026 NAOWA 21st Century Teacher Transformation Training, aimed at equipping teachers with modern pedagogical techniques, digital skills, and learner-centric instructional approaches. Plans are also in motion to establish a NAOWA Tech Hub at Mambilla Barrack, which will provide digital and entrepreneurial training for youths, women, and community members.
NAOWA’s Youth Empowerment Project has successfully trained 394 youths in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and fashion design. Furthermore, over 15,000 palliatives have been distributed to members, widows of fallen heroes, mosques, and churches. Welfare support has been extended to elderly individuals and people with disabilities, in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
In addition to educational and welfare initiatives, NAOWA has ventured into skill development and job creation through the establishment of the Delight Bakery and Stitches and Design Centre, with a focus on training widows in bakery skills. In healthcare, the association has made notable interventions, such as upgrading the Accident and Emergency Ward of the Military Hospital in Ikoyi and donating medical equipment to the Medical Reception Station of the 243 Battalion in Badagry. They have also conducted medical outreach activities during the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration and promoted health awareness through World Cancer Day activities, alongside introducing a quarterly sports and fitness program.
Dr. Shaibu highlighted the expansion of leadership development via the Made-in-NAOWA Intentional Leadership Workshop and the strengthening of international partnerships through engagements in the United Kingdom and the African Women’s Summit in Zanzibar. She called on members to remain united and committed to furthering the association’s mission to empower military families through education, welfare, and sustainable livelihoods.