The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on senior military officers to embrace knowledge-based, innovative and performance-driven leadership approaches to improve the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness in confronting emerging security threats.
Shaibu stated that future military leadership would require a combination of operational experience, strategic thinking, evidence-based decisions and efficient management of resources. He made the remarks through Maj.-Gen. Jeremiah Manjang at the graduation ceremony of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 8/2025 organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) in Abuja.
The COAS urged participants of the 11-month programme to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to enhance institutional performance and contribute to national security development.
“As you leave this Centre, I urge you to translate the knowledge acquired here into practical action,” he said, adding that the training should enable them to adapt, innovate and develop new competencies needed to lead effectively in a complex environment.
According to Shaibu, the programme exposed participants to key areas including public policy, strategic management, entrepreneurship, psychology and research methodology, helping them develop stronger leadership and decision-making abilities.
He explained that the course was designed to connect academic knowledge with the practical experiences of senior officers, enabling them to analyse complex situations, create effective strategies and provide solutions based on research and informed judgement.
The Army chief noted that contemporary security operations require leaders who can manage resources efficiently while responding to challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism and other evolving threats.
He described continuous professional development as essential for building a military organisation that is adaptable, resilient and prepared for future challenges.
Shaibu also praised the collaboration between NARC and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), which resulted in participants receiving master’s degrees in strategic management and policy studies. He said the partnership represented a significant step towards strengthening professional military education and strategic leadership training in the Nigerian Army.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Army through improved operational, training and administrative resources, which he said had enhanced its ability to carry out constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, NARC Director-General, retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, described the programme as a leading executive education initiative aimed at developing strategic leaders capable of addressing modern security and governance challenges.
Myam said the course equipped senior military officers, security personnel and public sector executives with advanced knowledge in leadership, policy formulation and strategic management.
He encouraged the graduates to use their training to become agents of positive transformation within their respective organisations.
The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, through his representative, Mr Ajibua, said the institution provided academic support, quality assurance and experienced facilitators to ensure participants received postgraduate education that met professional standards.
He added that the programme prepared officers for higher leadership responsibilities while equipping them with skills useful during active service and beyond.
The Director of Human Resources Development, Brig.-Gen. John Majebi, said the training reflected the COAS’ vision of building a professional, adaptable, compact, ready and resilient Nigerian Army.
Majebi disclosed that 25 participants drawn from the armed forces, intelligence agencies, government institutions and private sector completed the 46-week programme.
The graduates included senior military officers, intelligence personnel, officials from the Nigeria Customs Service, National Youth Service Corps and other strategic institutions. They are expected to receive the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Fellowship certificate alongside a master’s degree in strategic management and policy studies from the NDA.