COAS Oluyede Inaugurates Course 9/ 2025 War College Participants
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS ) Lieutenant General OO Oluyede officially Inaugurated Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 9/2025 on Friday, 14 February 2025, at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Auditorium in Asokoro, Abuja. The event reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to shaping strategic-level military leaders.
The COAS, who graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, emphasised the pivotal role of AWCN in producing well-trained, operational-level officers capable of navigating Nigeria’s evolving security landscape. He described the inaugural lecture topic, *”Resilient Leadership as a Key Requirement in Tackling Nigeria’s Multifaceted Security Challenges,”* as timely and relevant, considering the multifaceted threats confronting the nation.
Highlighting AWCN’s remarkable growth since its establishment in 2017, the COAS stated that the institution has evolved into a centre of excellence, equipping officers with strategic thinking, operational planning, and leadership skills essential for modern military operations. He noted that AWCN’s international recognition continues to grow, attracting participants from Allied Nations in Africa further fostering regional military collaboration.
Congratulating the participants of AWCN Course 9/2025, the COAS urged them to fully commit to their training, emphasising that the knowledge gained would enhance their operational effectiveness and foster synergy among security agencies. He stressed that resilience and adaptability are key to combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges confronting the nation.
He further commended the Commandant AWCN, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, and his deputy, urging them to maintain the institution’s high academic and professional standards. The COAS also charged the faculty and staff to continue inspiring participants to develop innovative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
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Declaring the course officially open, the COAS encouraged the officers to embrace new ideas, stay disciplined, and maximise their time in Abuja’s conducive learning environment. Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant AWCN reaffirmed the institution’s mission of bridging the gap between strategic and tactical warfare, making it a critical hub for shaping Nigeria’s future military leaders.
Recognising the support of the Nigerian Army leadership and AWCN’s governing board, General Alkali commended their ongoing efforts in enhancing and upgrading the college’s academic and infrastructural facilities. He also appreciated the contributions of past Commandants for establishing a solid foundation that has maintained AWCN’s international reputation.
Congratulating the participants, he underscored the high expectations placed on them. He explained that AWCN Course 9/2025 would undergo a rigorous 36-week training programme, covering eight core modules, including National Security, Strategy, Leadership, Military History, Operational Art, and Peace Support Operations.
He assured participants that the curriculum is on par with leading war colleges worldwide, designed to address contemporary security threats effectively. The Commandant urged participants to embrace critical thinking, challenge conventional wisdom, and develop innovative security strategies.
He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that modern military operations require synergy between security agencies to succeed. He also called on AWCN’s faculty and staff to uphold and enhance the institution’s academic excellence, ensuring it remains Nigeria’s premier professional military education institution.
A key highlight of the event was the inaugural lecture, titled *”Resilient Leadership as a Key Requirement in Tackling Nigeria’s Multifaceted Security Challenges,”* delivered by former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (Rtd). The lecture underscored the critical role of adaptive and resilient leadership in addressing Nigeria’s complex security threats, reinforcing the need for dynamic military strategies in today’s rapidly evolving security environment.
The inauguration ceremony set the stage for an intensive and transformative learning experience for the participants, as they prepare to become effective operational leaders in the Nigerian Army and beyond.
Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi
Major
College Public Relations Officer
14 February 2025
