Following the redeployment of the former DG, NYSC, Major General S.Z. Kazaure to Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the former registrar of Army University, Biu, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has been appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, as the new Director General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The brigadier, who was appointed last week is expected to resume office immediately as the new the DG and the 18th Chief Executive Officer of NYSC.

During an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA correspondent in August 2018, the brigadier general stated that his philosophy of leadership success is premised on making findings on why your predecessors failed or succeeded before making any decision. In his exact words, “before I take decisions, I make reference to the past to build on what is happening now and then into the future. Once you are equipped with this, you can easily chart your way to outstanding success”.

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICrel), during a press conference on Saturday, commended the exceptional services of the brigadier general as the pioneer registrar of Nigerian Army University, Biu. The body commended the president for his choice of appointment describing him as the appropriate person for the position. It said it is made clear that Brig. Gen Ibrahim will reposition the NYSC for the next level for better productivity and focus on it primary vision which is to integrate the nation. The lots of serving corps members too are also expected to improve positively.

Samson Onwu, Executive Director of NICrel, at the press conference, asserted that the appointment is a perfect fit for the appointed. He applauded the Nigerian Army for the excellent trainings given to their officers as always shown by Brigadier General Ibrahim who stood out exceptionally in all trainings and assignments given to him. He plainly stated that the career path of the brigadier general has been followed closely and it has been found out that he is worthy of the position following the numerous awards he has received which include: Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS).

Other awards of recognition he has been bestowed with include: Chief Army Staff Award as the Overall Best Participant for 2013 NAEC Executive Management Course, Nigerian Institute for Public Relation (NIPR) Special Recognition Award 2014, Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Public Services/Fellowship (FCAI) by Institute of Corporate Administration, Professional National Award of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) 2018 and COAS Commendation Letter 2018.

He has held several positions in the past which include Research Officer, Institute of Army Education (IAE), Military Assistant to the DG, NYSC (1996-1999), Staff Officer, Military History, National Defense College (2004-2009), Senior Instructor, Nigerian Army School of Education (2009-2011), Staff Officer 1, Books Resources Procurement, Headquarters Nigerian Army Education Corps (2011-2012), Commandant, Command Secondary School, Suleja (2012-2014). He also headed the Department of History and War Studies at the Nigerian Defense Academy (2014-2018). Due to his vast knowledge in history, the brigadier general is a Professional Member of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (MTRCN), Exam Ethics Marshal International, Editorial Board, Ibom, Journal of History, University of Uyo, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of History and Military Studies, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna.

His special contributions to the Nigerian Army include serving as a Committee Member that developed a policy for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare for the Nigerian Army (NA), producing some Military Pyrotechnics for the NA, producing DICON soap which is used to lubricate and polish bullet cases during the mechanical drawing process.

The Chief of Staff is applauded for recommending a worthy individual for the position and the Nigerian Army also commended for releasing its officers and making them available to serve in the country.