President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged graduands of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 to deploy the knowledge and strategic insight acquired during their 47-week programme to strengthen national security, economic development and institutional resilience.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the charge on Friday at the graduation ceremony of Course 34 in Abuja, where 103 participants were formally admitted into the fellowship of the National Defence College.
President Tinubu said the rapidly changing global security environment, driven by technological advancement, economic rivalry, geopolitical shifts, cyber threats and transnational crime, required leaders capable of anticipating risks and developing practical solutions.
He congratulated the graduands for their discipline, curiosity and resilience, noting that strategic education carries with it the responsibility to make sound decisions in the national interest.
The President also commended the Commandant, faculty and staff of the NDC for sustaining the institution as Nigeria's foremost centre for strategic education, research and defence diplomacy.
He said the Federal Government would continue to support strategic education and partnerships, stressing that serious thought must translate into sound public policy.
Speaking on the theme of the course, “Optimizing Capacity for Industrialization to Enhance National Development and Security,” President Tinubu said national security could not be separated from productive capacity.
He noted that industrialisation would create employment, promote technological advancement, strengthen economic resilience and enhance Nigeria's strategic autonomy.
According to him, sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, solid minerals and the defence industry are critical theatres in the defence of national sovereignty.
He said Nigeria's commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area and a more integrated African economy would contribute to inclusive growth, reduce structural vulnerabilities and strengthen the continent's bargaining power.
The President said the Renewed Hope Agenda was focused on building a productive, diversified and competitive economy through reforms, private-sector investment, local value addition and infrastructure development in roads, rail, energy and digital connectivity.
On security, he reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to equipping and supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their constitutional responsibilities, particularly in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised crime.
President Tinubu further challenged the graduands to apply their strategic knowledge to the growing threat posed by violent non-state actors, which, he said, increasingly exploit fragile institutions, emerging technologies, illicit financial networks and porous borders.
He called for stronger intelligence capabilities, inter-agency cooperation, regional collaboration, technological innovation and socio-economic development in tackling the threats.
The President also acknowledged the presidential research paper produced by the graduands on “Countering Violent Non-State Actors and National Security in Nigeria: Imperative for a Whole-of-Society Approach.” He said official engagements had delayed his receipt of the presentation, adding that a suitable date would be communicated for its formal presentation.
President Tinubu urged the graduands to provide leadership with intellectual agility, ethical discipline and strategic imagination, while combining vision with humility, innovation with discipline and authority with compassion.
He charged them to build stronger institutions, foster unity across organisational boundaries, uphold public trust and leave every institution stronger than they found it.
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, said the graduation marked the successful completion of an intensive 47-week strategic education programme involving lectures, seminars, research, strategic and simulation exercises, as well as regional and international study tours.
Rear Admiral Ahmed said the 103 graduands comprised officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, strategic ministries, departments and agencies, alongside 20 international participants from friendly countries across Africa and Asia.
He said the diversity of the participants reflected the importance of inter-agency and multinational cooperation in addressing contemporary security and developmental challenges.
The Commandant also appealed for the release of approved funds for the completion of the permanent site of the National Defence College, expressing hope that the facilities would be completed in time for commissioning in 2027.
He congratulated the graduands and urged them to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and visionary leadership while applying the knowledge and networks gained at the college to national development, regional cooperation and international peace and security.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Commandant of the NDC, Major General Ken Emeka Chighu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support for professional military education and strategic leadership development.
He particularly acknowledged the President's sponsorship of the Course 34 programme, including academic tours and research projects, describing the gesture as a major enabler of the successful academic year.
Major General Chighu also appreciated the National Assembly, Ministry of Defence, National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, intelligence and security agencies, diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, families of participants and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the course.
He urged the graduands to sustain the values of strategic leadership, professionalism and commitment to national and international security as they return to their respective services, institutions and countries.
