By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has lauded participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 for their innovative contributions to addressing national security challenges, particularly through their research on emerging defence technologies. The commendation was given on Friday, 25 July 2025, during the formal presentation of the COAS Research Paper at the Army Headquarters Conference Room, Abuja.
The presentation marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of the Course 33 participants, who are working toward earning the prestigious title of Fellow Defence College (fdc). Their research paper, titled “Directed Energy Weapons and National Security: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Army by 2040,” explores the strategic deployment of advanced energy-based weapons to enhance Nigeria’s defence posture and national security.
In an official statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS praised the participants for their futuristic thinking, technical depth, and commitment to national development. “Your forward-looking approach in exploring the strategic utility of directed energy weapons reflects a deep understanding of modern warfare and the evolving nature of security threats,” General Oluyede remarked. “I encourage you not to relent in your pursuit of innovative solutions to national and regional security challenges.”
The Army Chief emphasized the importance of continuous research and strategic foresight, urging the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation to build on the work presented and deepen partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities. “The Nigerian Army must continue to align itself with global trends in defence technology and transformation. This research offers valuable insights into how we can position ourselves ahead of future threats,” he added.
During the event, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Okosun, explained that the College’s curriculum is deliberately structured to challenge participants to confront contemporary security and development issues through rigorous academic inquiry and strategic analysis. He disclosed that the COAS had earlier directed the Course 33 participants to select and investigate topics that could offer practical and transformative outcomes for the Nigerian Army in the near future.
Rear Admiral Okosun expressed the College’s deep appreciation to the COAS for his unwavering support, especially for approving the research topic and for his consistent encouragement of strategic innovation within the military. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to fostering a learning environment that promotes national security, defence modernization, and inter-agency collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the course members, Colonel Obinna Eke, who served as the course representative, noted that the advent of emerging technologies has redefined the modern battlespace. He stated that energy-based weapon systems are becoming increasingly relevant globally and that Nigeria must begin to prepare for their adoption. “To remain relevant and combat-ready, we must develop a forward-thinking roadmap that places the Nigerian Army at the forefront of technological integration. Directed energy weapons, with their precision and adaptability, are no longer the stuff of science fiction, they are the future of warfare,” he stated.
He added that their research carefully examined global military trends and regional dynamics, offering a set of strategic options that can guide Nigeria’s defence policy through 2040 and beyond.
The participants of NDC Course 33 include ninety-nine senior officers and officials drawn from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as allied participants from other African and non-African countries. Their research presentation not only demonstrated academic rigour but also reinforced the role of the National Defence College as a hub for strategic thinking and defence innovation in Nigeria and across the continent.
The session ended with resounding applause and a renewed sense of purpose, as the Nigerian Army signaled its readiness to embrace innovation and secure the future through strategic foresight and cutting-edge research.
