By Bavoriat Clara
In a historic step towards deepening Nigeria’s strategic defence cooperation, the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) has officially launched its Alumni Association, positioning the institution’s graduates as a formidable network for national security, regional stability, and global peace.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Auditorium in Asokoro, Abuja, attracted senior military officers, defence experts, policymakers, academics, and other distinguished guests, underscoring the national importance of the event.
The Special Guest of Honour, Retired Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, described the inauguration as a “significant milestone” in the history of the College and Nigeria’s broader security architecture.
He commended the Army War College’s transformation since its establishment in 2017 into a beacon of operational-level excellence, producing graduates who have gone on to hold strategic command, staff, and policy-making positions in Nigeria and allied countries.
Buratai stressed that the Alumni Association was a deliberate and timely step to preserve institutional memory, strengthen strategic continuity, and foster professional networks anchored on loyalty, professionalism, innovation, and selfless service.
He urged members to remain engaged in advancing Nigeria’s defence interests both at home and internationally.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, lauded the initiative as a platform to consolidate the expertise and networks of AWCN graduates in meeting Nigeria’s evolving security needs.
He emphasised that in an era defined by terrorism, insurgency, cyber warfare, and transnational crime, strategic alumni networks are vital in uniting efforts across the security and governance spectrum.
Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Akali, stated that the creation of the Alumni Association aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
He described the body as a platform to strengthen professional bonds, preserve institutional heritage, promote mentorship, and enhance collaboration between military, civilian, and inter-agency partners.
Adding to the intellectual depth of the event, the Major General A.E. Edet, in his goodwill message drew from his experience at the National Defense University in the United States to highlight the transformative power of diverse professional networks.
“The stronger the mix, the richer the network becomes,” he noted, stressing that alumni associations should function as engines of influence, policy formulation, and operational transformation rather than mere social platforms.
Also, Brigadier General Jonathan Temlong (Rtd) in his remarks challenged members to view themselves as both custodians of the College’s legacy and catalysts for innovation.
He called for mentorship of younger officers, the preservation of Army traditions, and the production of thought leadership materials to advance operational art and security innovation.
“This association should become a platform that drives research, fosters knowledge-sharing, and promotes cooperation in pursuit of national development,” he said.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of the official alumni logo, presentation of commemorative souvenirs, inauguration of the interim executive committee, and group photographs all marking the formal birth of the association.
These moments, rich in symbolism, underscored the collective pride and sense of responsibility among members to carry forward the College’s ideals.
Over the years, the AWCN has produced cohorts of officers who have taken on critical roles in Nigeria’s defence establishment and in multinational peace operations.
The Alumni Association is expected to serve as a hub for policy dialogues, strategic research, mentorship initiatives, and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing contemporary and emerging security threats.
The AWCN Alumni Association thus begins its journey not merely as an organisation but as a living legacy, a bridge between generations of strategic leaders and a beacon of vision for Nigeria’s future in defence and security.
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