NDA advocates adaptive military education, stronger regional security cooperation
By Mohammad Tijjani
The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, has called for adaptive military education and stronger regional collaboration to tackle emerging security challenges across Africa.
Olatoye made the call while receiving participants of Senior Staff Course 22 from the École Nationale Supérieure des Armées, Benin Republic, during a strategic study visit to the academy in Kaduna.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Academy Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, on Friday in Kaduna
Kovangiya said the delegation, led by Lt.-Col. Olou Jean, visited the academy under the theme, “Architecture for Training Military Elites (Officers) in the Face of Contemporary Security Challenges.”
He said the commandant during the visit said contemporary security threats had become increasingly complex, hybrid and transnational, requiring coordinated responses involving diplomatic, military, economic and information instruments.
He stressed the need for military institutions to continually adapt their education and training frameworks to prepare officers for joint and multidomain operations.
According to him, military professional development is structured at foundational, intermediate and advanced levels, with the NDA providing the foundation for developing officers’ character, competence and operational readiness.
The commandant identified character and competence, critical thinking, ethical and authentic leadership, as well as innovation and adaptability as the four pillars guiding the academy’s officer development programmes.
He said as part of the visit, the Chief Instructor, Air Force Wing, Group Capt. I.N. Akpan, delivered a presentation on the organisation and training activities of the academy.
“Akpan highlighted the NDA’s academic and military training structure, postgraduate programmes and strategic partnerships, noting that the institution remained committed to producing military leaders capable of addressing evolving security challenges.
He added that the delegation was also presented with a documentary on the academy’s history, organisational structure, achievements and activities.
“A member of the Beninese delegation commended the NDA for the warm reception and valuable insights shared, particularly in leadership development and military professionalism.
He said the visit featured an interactive session, exchange of souvenirs, guided tour of key facilities and a group photograph, further strengthening military cooperation and longstanding ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.