President Bola Tinubu has charged graduates of the National Defence College (NDC) to deploy their knowledge and skills in addressing contemporary security challenges, while reaffirming his administration’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous capacity for manufacturing military hardware.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday at the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the NDC, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, praised the College’s culture of research excellence, describing it as central to building human capital critical to national survival.
He commended the College’s Presidential Treatise, “Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040”, noting that its recommendations would be studied and implemented by relevant stakeholders.
“Strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” Tinubu declared, adding that strong institutions remain the foundation of lasting peace, stability, and democracy.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the permanent site of the NDC in Piwoyi, Abuja, with a view to transforming the College into a Defence Postgraduate University that will serve Nigeria and allied nations.
Addressing the graduands, he urged them to rise to the challenges of a world increasingly defined by volatility, uncertainty, and complex threats, including global economic headwinds, emerging technologies, and regional instability. “You have been prepared for this moment, to lead with vision and courage,” he told them.
Tinubu also cited growing investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, reflected in a 48 per cent year-on-year surge in the stock market, the best in nearly three decades, while acknowledging that inflation and food insecurity remain urgent national priorities.
Earlier, NDC Commandant, Rear Admiral J.O. Okosu, commended the Federal Government’s support for the institution, stressing that the training equips participants to tackle pressing challenges such as banditry and oil theft.
Deputy Commandant, Major General Kevin Ukandu, highlighted that the curriculum covered defence management, strategy, command, and geopolitics, preparing participants for high-level responsibilities locally and internationally.
The graduands of Course 33 include participants from 19 countries, comprising 25 officers from the Nigerian Army, 16 from the Nigerian Navy, 12 from the Nigerian Air Force, five from the Nigeria Police Force, 18 from ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as 23 international participants.
Dignitaries present included the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
