The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) has equipped top-level officers of the Armed Forces and executive officials across civil, intelligence, and security agencies with strategic leadership and policy skills to navigate today’s evolving global security landscape.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, during the graduation ceremony of Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 7/2024 in Abuja.
The COAS, who was represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre, said the training was designed to bridge competency gaps in leadership, policy formulation, and resource management, especially among senior decision-makers.
“This course empowers participants with the knowledge, skills, and analytical capabilities to implement and evaluate strategic policies while managing human and material resources efficiently,” he said.
He said the course targeted officers from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General and their civilian equivalents in Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and the wider security and intelligence community.
“It was strategically structured to focus on leadership, management, and policy. It ensures graduates can align national power instruments with organisational goals in a complex security environment,” he added.
Oluyede noted that the course covered policy analysis, strategic management, entrepreneurship, psychology, and resource methodology, combining theory and practical engagement.
A major feature of the course was its partnership with the Nigerian Defence Academy Postgraduate School, which awards a master’s degree upon successful completion.
“This validates the academic rigour of the programme and adds significant value to the professional portfolios of participants,” he said.
The Director General of NARC, retired Major General Garba Wahab, said the course had become more relevant than ever, especially in a time where cross-agency collaboration and strategic thinking are essential.
“What we’re witnessing here is the building of a national think-tank—where the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, paramilitary bodies, and civil institutions can share ideas and develop coherent strategies to address Nigeria’s complex challenges,” Wahab said.
He urged the graduates to stay connected and continue to share knowledge beyond the classroom, noting that Course 7 participants had shown remarkable commitment to the programme.
“This is one of the most robust cohorts we’ve had so far. Their engagement and openness to learning give us confidence in the far-reaching impact of this training,” he said.
Incoming Director General of the Army Resource Centre, retired Major General James Myam, described the graduation as the culmination of a high-level course tailored for top decision-makers.
He said the exclusive targeting of Colonels and equivalent ranks was intentional, in view of the heavy responsibilities they bear.
“This particular training was designed for senior officers because of the nature of the responsibilities they shoulder,”he explained.
He added that there are structured programmes available at various levels across security institutions such as the National Defence College, Nigerian Army College of Logistics, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
“This set of participants demonstrated exceptional dedication. They’ve been equipped with strategic leadership competencies that will serve them well in developing sound policies and confronting complex challenges,” Myam said.
Earlier, the Director of Human Resource Development, Brigadier General Auwal Haruna, said the course was aimed at enhancing participants’ capacity in policy analysis, formulation, and evaluation.
“It also deepens the appreciation of the relationship between public policy and public problems, with a clear focus on national development,” he stated.
The Course President, Major General S.I. Igbonomwanhia, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the participants and expressed gratitude to God for a successful training experience.
Certificates were presented to all graduates at the end of the ceremony.
PIAK