President Tinubu Honors 91 Graduates at Historic Security Institute Ceremony
On December 7, 2024, a significant milestone was reached at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the prestigious Fellow of Security Institute (fsi) title upon ninety-one graduates of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC-17). This event marked a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s security training landsc0ĺape, particularly with its emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI).
The ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries, celebrated the culmination of a ten-month intensive training program themed around AI and inter-agency collaboration. Participants included security operatives from Nigeria and several African nations, such as Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Chad, Rwanda, and Ghana. The event underscored a collective commitment to enhancing security intelligence across the continent.
Representing President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu inaugurated the proceedings, highlighting the importance of the institute’s work. The gathering included prominent figures like Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President representatives, defense chiefs, and former Directors General of the Department of State Services (DSS), showcasing a united front from Nigeria’s security apparatus.
Director General of DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, opened the ceremony with an address acknowledging the historical trajectory of NISS, which evolved from the Abuja Training School established in 1999 to its current status after the National Institute for Security Studies Bill was signed into law in June 2019. Ajayi noted the institute’s expanded mandate in research and policy training for security and intelligence agencies across Nigeria and Africa.
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Former Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who chaired the occasion, lauded the unity among former DGs of the DSS and called for increased funding to support the institute’s core mission. He urged elected officials to build on the legacies of previous administrations while effectively communicating government policies.
The Senate President, represented by Professor Anthony Ani, commended the NISS for its dedication to developing future security leaders and encouraged graduates to view their experiences as an obligation for national service. He expressed optimism that the AI-focused curriculum would help address pressing security challenges facing Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima emphasized the need for security personnel to adapt to modern threats that go beyond traditional military approaches. He asserted that the incorporation of technology into national security strategies is vital for effective countermeasures.
President Tinubu, while acknowledging the leadership of DG Ajayi, expressed pride in the historic event and emphasized the importance of the graduates’ knowledge in enhancing national security strategies. Notably, this ceremony was the first of its kind where foreign participants were awarded the fsi designation, representing a significant step in fostering regional security collaboration.
Former DGs of the DSS who attended the event included Peter C. Nwaoduah, Rtd Col. L.K.K. Are, and others, all of whom contributed to the dialogue on the evolution and ongoing significance of the NISS in strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Rtd. Col. Are, who acknowledged the strides made by the current management of the NISS and underscored the need for ongoing support from the government for the institute’s mission. A goodwill message from former DG A.K. Horsfall also highlighted the need for a forum for retired DGs to share their expertise with current and future leaders in the DSS.
The landmark ceremony has set a new standard for inter-agency collaboration in Nigeria’s security sector, bridging the gap between various security entities and enhancing the overall capacity to address national and regional security threats.
