By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has officially launched the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 9/2025, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to developing strategic-level military leaders. The inauguration ceremony took place on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Auditorium in Asokoro, Abuja.
A statement signed and made available to newsmen by the College Public Relations Officer, Major Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi disclosed that 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.
While 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. The COAS noted that AWCN’s international recognition continues to grow, attracting participants from Allied Nations in Africa further fostering regional military collaboration.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) congratulated participants of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 9/2025, urging them to fully dedicate themselves to the training program. He emphasized that the knowledge and skills gained would significantly enhance their operational effectiveness, foster collaboration among security agencies, and ultimately boost the nation’s security framework.
The COAS also highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in addressing the complex security challenges facing the nation, including insurgency, terrorism, and banditry. By developing these key qualities, participants will be better equipped to tackle the dynamic and evolving nature of these threats.
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.
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 marked the beginning of a rigorous and transformative learning journey for the participants, poised to equip them with the skills and expertise necessary to excel as operational leaders within the Nigerian Army and beyond. This intensive experience is designed to foster growth, knowledge, and strategic thinking, ultimately shaping the next generation of military leaders.
