The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has said that the dynamic nature of security challenges in the nation requires officers who can think critically, effectively, and lead with vision.

The army chief made remarks at the graduation ceremony of 35 senior officers – 34 Lieutenant Colonels and one Colonel, of Leadership and Strategic Studies Course (LSSC) 3/2024 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Friday.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adesina, of Nigerian Army Heritage Centre, Oluyede said the course was designed to bridge gaps in operational and strategic understanding among officers, thereby raising competencies to the highest professional standards.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous human capacity development as a cornerstone of operational effectiveness, saying that the army would sustain its partnership with the resource centre to ensure that officers at all levels were adequately equipped to meet present and future challenges.

The over 11-month course offered the officers diverse modules, ranging from political economy, defence economics, leadership, military history and war studies, to policy analysis and critical thinking, to meet the demands of current dynamic security environment.
“As you return to your respective units and establishments, the Nigerian Army expects you to apply the knowledge and skills gained here to enhance operational efficiency and contribute meaningfully to national security,” Oluyede said.

Commenting, the Director-General of the NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, said the officers were taken through leadership, general service knowledge, strategy, national security, political economy, defence economics, military history and war studies, critical thinking, and several other vital areas.
“The essence of this training is simple: to equip you with the knowledge and competencies needed to add value in your future assignments. As you return to your respective formations and establishments, we expect your performance to reflect the quality of learning you have received here.
“Our expectations at the centre—and indeed from the Army Headquarters, are high. You will be monitored in the field, not only by your performance but also by the quality of your thoughts and contributions. We charge you to be worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre,” Myam said.