The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General, Olufemi Oluyede has stressed on the key role of Army War College Nigeria in producing well-trained, operational-level officers capable of navigating Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
General Oluyede who disclosed this while declaring open the official inauguration of the College’s Course 9/2025 at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Auditorium in Asokoro, Abuja, encouraged the officers to embrace new ideas, stay disciplined, and maximise their time in the nation’s capital conducive learning environment.
In a statement signed by the College Public Relations Officer, Major, Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi, and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, the COAS who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event that reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to shaping strategic-level military leaders urged participants to fully commit to their training as knowledge gained would enhance their operational effectiveness and foster synergy among security agencies.
He described the inaugural lecture topic, “Resilient Leadership as a Key Requirement in Tackling Nigeria’s Multifaceted Security Challenges,” as timely and relevant, considering the multifaceted threats confronting the nation.
Lieutenant General, Oluyede while highlighting AWCN’s remarkable growth since its establishment in 2017, said the institution has evolved into a centre of excellence, equipping officers with strategic thinking, operational planning, and leadership skills essential for modern military operations.
He noted that AWCN’s international recognition continues to grow, attracting participants from Allied Nations in Africa further fostering regional military collaboration, adding that resilience and adaptability are key to combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges confronting the nation.
He further commended the Commandant AWCN, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, and his deputy, urging them to maintain the institution’s high academic and professional standards.
The COAS also charged the faculty and staff to continue inspiring participants to develop innovative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Earlier, the Commandant AWCN reaffirmed the institution’s mission of bridging the gap between strategic and tactical warfare, making it a critical hub for shaping Nigeria’s future military leaders.
Recognising the support of the Nigerian Army leadership and AWCN’s governing board, General Alkali commended their ongoing efforts in enhancing and upgrading the college’s academic and infrastructural facilities.
He also appreciated the contributions of past Commandants for establishing a solid foundation that has maintained AWCN’s international reputation.
Congratulating the participants, he underscored the high expectations placed on them. He explained that AWCN Course 9/2025 would undergo a rigorous 36-week training programme, covering eight core modules, including National Security, Strategy, Leadership, Military History, Operational Art, and Peace Support Operations.
He assured participants that the curriculum is at par with leading war colleges worldwide, designed to address contemporary security threats effectively.
The Commandant urged participants to embrace critical thinking, challenge conventional wisdom, and develop innovative security strategies.
He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that modern military operations require synergy between security agencies to succeed.
The Commandant however, called on AWCN’s faculty and staff to uphold and enhance the institution’s academic excellence, ensuring it remains Nigeria’s premier professional military education institution.
A key highlight of the event was the inaugural lecture, titled “Resilient Leadership as a Key Requirement in Tackling Nigeria’s Multifaceted Security Challenges,” delivered by former Chief of Army Staff, Retired Lieutenant General, Faruk Yahaya.
The lecture underscored the critical role of adaptive and resilient leadership in addressing Nigeria’s complex security threats, reinforcing the need for dynamic military strategies in today’s rapidly evolving security environment.
The inauguration ceremony set the stage for an intensive and transformative learning experience for the participants, as they prepare to become effective operational leaders in the Nigerian Army and beyond.