By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate study and implementation of key recommendations put forward by participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, particularly on harnessing indigenous manufacturing for national security and development.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the graduation ceremony in Abuja on Friday, stressed that strengthening local production capacities is indispensable to Nigeria’s security architecture and economic survival. He commended the 99 graduands for their resilience throughout the rigorous 48-week programme, describing them as strategic leaders equipped to confront emerging threats with innovation and foresight.
“Their presidential research paper on harnessing indigenous manufacturing for national security and development by 2040 is a clear demonstration of excellence. I have directed stakeholders to adopt their proposals because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” President Tinubu stated.
Earlier, while welcoming dignitaries and graduands, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral JO Okosun, received the Special Guest of Honour on behalf of the College community. He said the President’s representation at the ceremony, despite his demanding national schedule, underscored his unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces and the advancement of professional military education.
Rear Admiral Okosun further revealed that the 99 graduating participants were drawn from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as from 19 allied nations. He praised their academic excellence and resilience, adding that their strategic research projects and exercises reaffirm the College’s role in shaping national and regional security policies.
President Tinubu also assured that his administration remains committed to the completion of infrastructure at the College’s permanent site in Piwoyi, Abuja, with a vision to transform it into a Defence Postgraduate University in the near future.
In a solemn moment, the ceremony observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Capt. S. Ahmadu, a participant of Course 33 who passed away during the programme.
The graduation of Course 33 once again highlights the central role of the National Defence College in producing strategic leaders for Nigeria and its partners, while underscoring the government’s resolve to link military education with broader national development priorities such as indigenous manufacturing.
