President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the National Defence College (NDC) to prioritise the training of strategic thinkers capable of strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security systems amid evolving threats.
Speaking at the State House on Thursday while receiving participants of Course 33, Tinubu said Nigeria must intentionally cultivate “future strategic leaders” with the analytical capacity to navigate a rapidly changing security landscape. He reminded the participants that they are key contributors to the country’s development.
“I congratulate all of you — the leadership of the college, the participants, and resource persons,” he said. “We are building a political, economic, and security future here. We must develop Nigeria.”
Tinubu praised the group’s presentation on industrialisation, describing it as aligned with his administration’s long-term goals. He stressed the need for leaders equipped with knowledge and analytical skills to strengthen national power in a dynamic defence environment.
“It is our joint responsibility to ensure that Nigeria is productive, inclusively governed, and able to secure the future for generations yet unborn,” he said. “We must remain determined, resilient, and forward-looking as we train our people, grow the economy, promote industrial development, and protect our sovereignty.”
The president also appealed for patience regarding the completion of the college’s permanent site, a project that began in 2010.
Earlier, Commandant A. Ahmed, a rear admiral, said Course 33 comprises 99 participants — including officers from the army, navy, air force, police, and various ministries, departments, and agencies — as well as 23 international participants from Africa, Asia, and South America. Since its inception, the college has graduated 3,097 senior officers and professionals.
