As a citadel of learning and Centre of excellence in land power and joint military operations and strategic studies, the Army War College Nigeria has done so much work in evolving a robust curriculum that is continuously updated to anticipate the vagaries of contemporary warfighting.
Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Retd) said this on Friday 25th November 2022 at the Graduation Ceremony of Course 6/2022, a total number of 73 participants at the College complex, WU Bassey Barracks, Asokoro Abuja.
The Minister, who was represented by the Ministry of Defence Director Reforms, Mrs. Ochida Ahubi Suzan noted that, in just over 5 years, the College has been able to enthrone the culture of ingenuity, hard work, diligence, and dedication to duty amongst its participants and staff, thus contributing to enhancing its status as a cradle of learning and think-tank of the Nigerian Army.
General Magashi stressed that, today's graduation will definitely not have been possible without the support of President Muhammadu Buhari
"I am therefore delighted that almost 6 years after the establishment of the Army War College Nigeria, the Institution has remained focused and abiding in its mission of producing well-trained, educated, and inspired operational-level leaders for the Nigerian Army.
"I believe this is because the learning objectives at the College which are focused on national security, military strategy, theatre strategy, and operational art are to enable you, gentlemen, to be more effective in the complex terrain of the Twenty-First Century security environment",he said.
Defence Chief therefore commended the Chief of Army Staff and congratulate the Commandant for the successful completion of the Higher Military Strategy and Management Course 6 at the Army War College Nigeria.
He commended troops who have exhibited unparalleled determination to decisively bring about peace and security across the country, adding that, their loyalty, commitment, and doggedness in the various theatres of operations deserve every commendation and support from all Nigerians.
In his word, a senior British Army officer who currently serves as Chief Executive and Commandant of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Major General Andrew Michael Roe, congratulated all graduands who have gone through the 8-month rigourous training in the College and steadied the storm of hard academic activities with commitment and perseverance.
Major General Andrew Michael Roe noted that Nigeria Armed Forces War Colleges, and War Colleges all over the world, hold their pride of place as centres of excellence for military operational leadership training.
He noted that the United Kingdom joint service command and Staff College, which sits within the Defence Academy, has supported the Army War College Nigeria since its inception in 2017 through delivery of support to the academic programme for the war.
"We are honoured to host the College on a study tour to United Kingdom earlier this year, this still sought to assist an informed the development of the Army War College is threading curriculum since that time, through the British Defence staff of the British High Commissioner, we've continued to support the AWCN by providing computer quality of knowledge, experience and intellect.
"Today's graduates are from neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Gambia, Liberia, Rwanda and Congo, with the United Kingdom Service Command and Staff College also benefited significantly from the attendance of Nigerian students on its Advanced Command and Staff course. We currently have four Nigerian students in residence. It residents their enthusiasm to share their perspectives, wisdom and insight with all students is an invaluable facet of that particular course", he added.
General Andrew Michael Roe also stressed that the Defence Academy United Kingdom values the military institutions in Nigeria and much enjoys its status as a partner of choice in the area of professional military education, turning to the graduates of the AWCN.
"I congratulate you all on your endeavours and commitment throughout this most demanding professional military education programmes. Very well done to you all. You should be incredibly proud of your achievements as you embark on the demanding staff and command roles. Your graduation marks an important waypoint.If you're correct.Hello, I am convinced that the knowledge and skills they have acquired of this course really quit you to succeed as you face up to today's many and varied challenges and of course those of the future.
"A common Nigerian adage says always held a friend with both of your hands, and as I conclude, I reiterate our commitment to do that with your country.I'll be home to the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence",he said.
He lauded and congratulate the Commandant for the successful completion of the Higher Military Strategy and Management Course 6 at the Army War College Nigeria.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commandant Army War College Nigeria Major General Bamidele Alabi urged participants to bring to bear what they have been taught during the course for the benefit of Nigeria’s Security Environment.
Course 6/2022 had in total number of 73 participants of the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel and thier equivalent from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, with others from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as allied participants from the Republics of Congo Brazaville, the Gambia, Liberia and Rwanda. They have also met with the condition of Fellows of the Army War College Nigeria.
