Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Public Relations Unit have recorded an outstanding academic feat at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, clinching the top two positions at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 14.
Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ridwan Yusuf emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student, earning four awards, including the overall prize, while Chief Superintendent of Customs Nuruddeen Sa’idu was named the Second Best Graduating Student among the 50 officers who completed the rigorous senior course.
The impressive performance by the two Public Relations officers underscored the intellectual depth, professionalism and leadership capacity within the NCS Public Relations Unit, reinforcing its growing reputation as a hub of excellence within the Service.
Reacting to the achievement, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, described the accomplishment as a proud moment for the Public Relations Unit and the entire Service.
According to him, the officers did not merely complete one of the Service’s most demanding professional training programmes but distinguished themselves by emerging as the best among their peers, demonstrating that public relations officers possess exceptional administrative competence, strategic thinking and leadership qualities.
Maiwada noted that while the achievement was a source of immense pride, it also came with mixed feelings, expressing confidence that, in line with established tradition, the outstanding officers may be retained by the College as Directing Staff to mentor future participants.
He recalled that Assistant Comptroller Benjamin Lomba, following his exceptional performance in Senior Course 13, was retained as Directing Staff, adding that a similar opportunity for Ridwan Yusuf and Nuruddeen Sa’idu would be a fitting recognition of their excellence.
While acknowledging that their possible departure would create a significant gap within the Public Relations Unit, Maiwada said their career progression remained a worthy sacrifice in the interest of the Service.
He congratulated both officers for bringing honour to the Nigeria Customs Service and the Public Relations Unit, urging them to continue to uphold the values of professionalism, excellence and service as they embark on the next phase of their careers.
The graduation ceremony of Senior Course 14 was held on Friday at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall of the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
