By Bavoriat Clara
The National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, has witnessed a seamless transition of leadership as Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed officially assumed office as Commandant, taking over from Rear Admiral James Okosun, who has completed his tenure.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the College in Abuja, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and strategic leadership development. He expressed appreciation to the outgoing Commandant for his selfless service and notable contributions to the growth and repositioning of the College.
Rear Admiral Ahmed emphasized that the National Defence College remains a strategic institution established to train senior officers — particularly Colonels and their civilian equivalents — to think critically and provide strategic-level solutions to national and global challenges.
He stated that the College would continue to explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning in line with its status as a foremost strategic training institution.
According to him, “We intend to continue participating actively and differently, exploring new strategic approaches to teaching and learning. The National Defence College was established to prepare senior officers to arrive at strategic-level solutions for the nation and for humanity in general.”
Rear Admiral Ahmed also expressed gratitude to the College management, faculty, and staff for their dedication and support, assuring them of an open-door leadership style and his willingness to accept constructive feedback. “Progress comes from accepting even uncomfortable advice,” he noted.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Commandant, Rear Admiral James Okosun, expressed delight at the progress made under his leadership and described the opportunity to lead the nation’s foremost strategic training institution as a great honour.
Rear Admiral Okosun, who assumed office on the 7th of July, highlighted efforts made to enhance the College’s conceptual framework, academic practices, and infrastructure. He explained that significant steps were taken to reposition the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies (CSRS) in alignment with the College’s core objectives.
He commended Rear Admiral Ahmed, describing him as a capable and visionary officer, and expressed confidence that his successor would sustain the ongoing reforms and achieve even greater results.
While appreciating members of the College committee, faculty, and staff for their cooperation and professionalism, Rear Admiral Okosun described his working relationship with them as cordial and productive. He also extended gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Vice President, and the Minister of Defence for their trust and support throughout his tenure.
Rear Admiral Okosun further lauded the growing reputation of the National Defence College as a centre of excellence in strategic learning, attracting recognition both locally and internationally. He particularly acknowledged the admiration expressed by international participants, including officers from India, over the College’s academic standards and discipline.
He concluded by expressing optimism about the institution’s future, saying, “The best is yet to come for the National Defence College.”
The ceremony marked a new chapter for the NDC as Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed assumed leadership with a pledge to deepen strategic education, foster innovation, and strengthen the College’s contribution to national and international security development.
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