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The National Defence College (NDC) on Tuesday witnessed a smooth transition of leadership as Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed formally assumed office as the new Commandant, succeeding Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okosun.
In his inaugural remarks during the handing and taking over ceremony held at the College in Abuja, Rear Admiral Ahmed expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Nigeria’s apex military training institution, pledging to build on the achievements of his predecessor and further strengthen the College’s academic and professional excellence.
“I wish to state that I am fully at home, physically, militarily, and spiritually,” he said, acknowledging the familiar faces among the faculty and staff who had played significant roles in his military journey.
Rear Admiral Ahmed described the outgoing Commandant as a mentor and teacher, recalling their time together during training and expressing admiration for his leadership style and strategic focus.
“Rear Admiral Okosun was my executive officer for a short period, but he took time to teach us the basic strategies that shaped our performance during our time at the Command and Staff College,” he noted.
He also paid tribute to the Provost of the College, whom he described as a spiritual mentor since his cadet days, emphasizing the importance of integrity, discipline, and fear of God in leadership.
Reassuring the College community of his open-door policy and commitment to teamwork, Rear Admiral Ahmed said he would adopt a pragmatic, consultative approach in the administration of the College.
“I promise to listen to all advice. I believe in accepting uncomfortable feedback, and I also believe in consultation. With your support, we will move the College forward,” he stated.
Rear Admiral Ahmed commended the outgoing Commandant for his achievements and pledged to consolidate on the reforms and initiatives introduced during his tenure.
Earlier in his valedictory address, the outgoing Commandant, Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okosun who formally handed over the leadership of the College to his successor, marking the end of his tenure as Commandant l expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served in the nation’s premier strategic military training institution, describing his period in office as both transformative and memorable.
He recalled assuming office as Commandant on 7 July and noted that within the relatively short period, significant strides were made in repositioning the College’s structure, academic focus, and infrastructure.
Within the short period, we tried to make a lot of transformation in terms of the College concept, our branches, and the infrastructure,” he said. “We made a lot of efforts in refocusing the College and the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies in line with the fundamental objectives of the College.”
Rear Admiral Okosun commended the faculty, staff, and entire College community for their unwavering support and cooperation, which, according to him, made his work seamless and fulfilling.
“It was nice working with everybody. The staff have been very, very supportive, and the relationship was quite wonderful,” he stated.
The outgoing Commandant expressed confidence in the capability and leadership qualities of his successor, whom he described as a competent officer with the requisite experience to consolidate and build on the achievements of the College.
“I know him very well, and with his experience as a Commandant of the Naval College, he will make meaningful input and continue on the path we have set,” Rear Admiral Okosun added.
He also extended appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister of Defence, and the President for the opportunity to serve the nation in such a strategic capacity.
Rear Admiral Okosun reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting the College even after his exit, emphasizing that the National Defence College has evolved into a globally respected institution of learning and strategic thought.
“The National Defence College is now a sought-after institution all over the world, and I believe the best is yet to come,” he concluded.
The event, attended by senior officers, faculty members, and staff, marked a new chapter in the history of the National Defence College — one defined by continuity, collaboration, and renewed dedication to strategic leadership development for Nigeria’s Armed Forces and allied nations.