By Nkechi Eze
In a deliberate move to adapt to the evolving demands of modern warfare, where information, perception, and narrative management increasingly shape operational outcomes, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced a three-month Basic Information Young Officers Course (BIYOC) designed to equip junior officers with critical strategic communication skills. The pioneering course, which began on 18 January 2026, is being conducted at the School of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM), Kaduna.
The inaugural BIYOC has 11 participants, comprising 10 Flying Officers and one Pilot Officer drawn from various NAF units across the country. The course is structured to prepare young officers for effective engagement in today’s complex information environment, where military success is increasingly influenced not only by kinetic operations but also by the ability to manage information, shape public perception, and counter misinformation.
The programme reflects the training-driven vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, DFS, whose Command Philosophy places capacity development at the centre of operational effectiveness. Under this philosophy, the Nigerian Air Force continues to invest in human capital development as a strategic enabler, recognising that modern conflicts demand officers who are as proficient in information management as they are in traditional military competencies.
Within this context, the BIYOC represents a significant institutional shift toward building in-service capacity tailored to the unique operational, doctrinal, and institutional requirements of the Nigerian Air Force. The course is designed to go beyond conventional media practices, focusing instead on the strategic use of information to support operations, enhance civil-military relations, and strengthen public confidence in the Service.
As part of the course activities, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on 21 January 2026, engaged the participants in an interactive lecture that challenged them to approach the training with seriousness and intellectual depth. He emphasised that contemporary military communication has expanded far beyond journalism, media engagements, scripting, photography, or videography.
“Strategic communication in today’s operational environment is about shaping narratives in support of missions and national objectives,” Air Commodore Ejodame said. “Young officers must understand that information is now a battlespace, and how you manage it can determine the success or failure of an operation.”
He charged the participants to see the course as an opportunity to build enduring professional competence that would remain relevant throughout their careers, particularly in an era where misinformation and hostile narratives can undermine military gains if not properly countered.
In his remarks, the Commandant of NAFIAM, Air Commodore Isaiah Taiwo, commended the Director of Public Relations and Information for what he described as a timely and insightful engagement. He noted that effective communication remains a critical factor in mission success, especially in contemporary military operations where public perception, trust, and credibility are indispensable.
According to him, the BIYOC aligns with the broader objective of producing well-rounded officers who can operate confidently at the intersection of operations, information management, and public engagement.
The commencement of the Basic Information Young Officers Course underscores a strategic and institutionalised effort by the Nigerian Air Force to deliver tailored, sustainable, and mission-oriented training. By investing in the communication capacity of its young officers, the Service aims to enhance professionalism, deepen civil-military relations, and reinforce public trust, while positioning itself to operate more effectively within the increasingly information-centric character of modern warfare.
