The National Service Authority (NSA) has announced that tertiary graduates set to begin their national service will undergo intensive military style training, including basic combat drills and weapons handling.
According to the Authority, the initiative targeting about 10,000 service personnel is aimed at instilling discipline, patriotism, resilience, and a stronger sense of civic duty among young graduates.
Acting Executive Director of the NSA, Ruth Dela Seddoh, explained that the programme is part of a renewed effort to reorient service personnel toward national responsibility and discipline.
She revealed that the trainees will be split into two groups of 5,000 each and stationed at military bases across the country to experience “real military conditions” rather than the usual campus-based training model.
“Initially, we considered running the entire 10,000 cohort at once. However, due to limited military facilities, we thought of using schools and teacher training institutions. The military opposed that,” she said.
“They insisted that participants should experience proper military training. So, we agreed to divide them into two batches of 5,000 each to ensure authentic training at military bases.”
Ms. Seddoh noted that the programme will cover basic combat techniques, disaster response, crisis management, self-defense, and safe weapons handling.
“Including handling of weapons, yes because disaster management is part of it,” she explained.
“For example, if you find yourself in an area threatened by armed robbers, you need to know how to respond safely.”
She emphasized that the ultimate aim is to build discipline, character, and leadership qualities among the trainees.
“At the end of the day, the goal is discipline,” she said. “We want to develop a strong sense of responsibility in them. It may be a bit tough, but as a woman, I’ll also make sure it’s exciting.”
