War College Inaugurates Alumni Body For Defence, Regional Security

Tosin Kolade
Aug, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

War college inaugurates alumni body for defence, regional security

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Thursday inaugurated its Alumni Association to build powerful strategic networks that will enhance national and regional security.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the inauguration of the Army War College Nigeria Alumni Association (AWCNAA), marked a new chapter in the history of the college.

Oluyede was represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. William Dangana.

He said the inauguration was also a reaffirmation of the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to operational excellence, professional military education, and strategic leadership development.

According to him, AWCN had since its establishment in 2017, steadily evolved into a true centre of excellence for operational-level leadership development, campaign planning, and joint operational art.

“The College has produced capable leaders who have gone on to serve with distinction in critical command, control, staff, and policy positions across the Nigerian Army, sister services, relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, and even in allied nations.

“The alumni form a reservoir of strategic knowledge, operational experience, and institutional wisdom that must be harnessed for national development and regional stability.

“The formation of this Alumni Association is therefore a welcome and timely initiative.

“Such a structured platform will stimulate continuous interaction among graduates; foster enduring professional networks; strengthen inter-agency and civil–military cooperation and contribute meaningfully to our collective national defence architecture,” he said.

The COAS said the theme of the event, “Building Strategic Networks for Operational Excellence and National Defence”, was both apt and urgent.

He said that Nigeria’s evolving security environment was characterised by multidimensional threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency to cyber warfare, transnational organised crime, and disinformation campaigns.

According to him, addressing these challenges effectively requires not only well-trained personnel but also strong strategic networks that promote unity of effort across all levels of security and governance.

“Alumni associations such as this serve as strategic enablers promoting shared learning, joint problem-solving, and the cross-fertilisation of ideas essential for success in today’s complex operational environment,” he added.

Oluyede commended the Commandant and Governing Council of the College for their foresight in establishing the association.

He urged the newly formed alumni body to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service.

The Commandant of AWCN, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, said the association, with 596 members, would serve as a platform for continuous learning, mentorship and strategic collaboration across military, security and civil sectors.

Alkali said the alumni was a strategic step to institutionalise the lifelong bonds formed in the college, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and extend our influence in national and international security.

He noted that the initiative aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy of consolidating the Nigerian Army’s transformation into a well-motivated and combat-ready force.

The inauguration lecture, themed “Building Strategic Networks for Operational Excellence and National Defence”, featured insights from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, the National Defence College, and the U.S. National Defense University.

Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the alumni, the inauguration of the Interim Executive Committee, and the activation of mentorship and knowledge-sharing platforms. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

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