By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu on Thursday formally inaugurated Course 10/2026 of the Army War College Nigeria, charging participants to uphold professionalism, embrace innovation, and strengthen their strategic capacity to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Army Chief described the College as the apex operational-level institution of the Nigerian Army and a key pillar in its professional military education system. He noted that since its establishment in 2017, the College has continued to bridge the gap between tactical and strategic levels by equipping senior officers with the requisite skills to translate national and military objectives into coherent operational plans within joint and multi-agency environments.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that the increasingly complex security environment requires adaptive leadership, enhanced operational readiness, and robust administration. He urged participants to question assumptions, broaden their perspectives, and develop practical solutions to contemporary and emerging threats.
He also described the theme of the inaugural lecture, “Harnessing Indigenous Technological Innovations for Enhanced National Defence,” as timely and aligned with the Nigerian Army’s transformation drive.
Delivering the inaugural lecture, former Chief of Defence Staff, retired General Abayomi Olonisakin, emphasised the need to prioritise indigenous technological innovation as a strategic pathway to strengthening national defence. He called for deeper collaboration between the military, academia, and industry to promote home-grown research and integrate locally developed solutions into operational activities.
Earlier, the Commandant of the College, Major General Umar Alkali, described the inauguration as a milestone in the professional development of participants and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to rigorous research, critical thinking, and strategic foresight. He commended the Chief of Army Staff and members of the Governing Board for their sustained support, noting that the College has continued to record academic and professional growth.
In his brief, the Deputy Commandant Director of Studies, Brigadier General Akiojo, disclosed that Course 10 comprises 85 participants drawn from the Nigerian Army, alongside selected officers from sister services and allied nations. He explained that the course is structured into eight modules delivered over three terms, covering military strategic leadership, operational art, campaign planning, national security studies, interagency coordination, and peace support operations, with graduation scheduled for October 2026.
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