President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the permanent site of the National Defence College (NDC) in Piwoyi, Abuja, to strengthen the institution’s capacity for strategic training in Nigeria and across allied nations.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the graduation ceremony of 99 participants of NDC Course 33 on Friday, the President said the government will provide the necessary support to ensure the college evolves into a full-fledged Defence Postgraduate University.
The 99 participants included senior officers from Nigeria’s Armed Forces, Police, ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as representatives from 19 allied countries. Specifically, the set comprised 25 officers from the Nigerian Army, 16 from the Navy, 12 from the Air Force, five from the Police, 18 from MDAs, and 23 international participants.
Tinubu disclosed that he had instructed the Commandant of the college to collaborate with the Minister of Defence to develop a clear strategy for upgrading facilities at the permanent site. He added that the federal government would explore additional interventions to improve infrastructure at the institution.
“I have been briefed on the state of infrastructure at the permanent site in Piwoyi. While progress has been made, much remains to be done. I assure you that this administration is committed to completing the permanent site,” he stated.
The President urged the graduating officers to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution by upholding its core values of Excellence, Courage, Patriotism, and Integrity, which he described as guiding principles for a successful career.
He also praised the college for its role in developing human capital essential to national survival, commending the Commandant, faculty, and management team for their dedication to training a new cadre of strategic leaders.
“To the participants of Course 33, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. I am well aware of the rigour and intensity of your 48 weeks of study, and the resilience it required. To emerge today as fellows of this great institution is an achievement you must be deeply proud of,” he said.
Tinubu further noted that the recommendations put forward by the graduating course would be carefully studied by relevant stakeholders, particularly those related to strengthening indigenous manufacturing, which he described as critical to Nigeria’s security and development.
