President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s commitment to completing the permanent site of the National Defense College (NDC).The move is intended to enable the institution to deliver strategic training for Nigeria and its allied nations.
The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance on Friday at the graduation of 99 participants of the NDC Course 33 in Abuja.
The graduating participants came from 19 countries and included senior officers from the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police Force, government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as international participants. The completion of the permanent site is a key step towards improving defense education and enhancing the country’s security architecture.
The President said that when fully equipped, the college could, and should, evolve into a defense postgraduate university.
Tinubu disclosed that he has directed the Commandant of the college to work closely with the Minister of Defence to develop a clear strategy to upgrade the facilities.
He added that government would explore further interventions to enhance the infrastructure of the college.
” 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 said.
Tinubu urged the graduating officers to be worthy ambassadors of the college, uphold its motto, which speaks of Excellence, Courage, Patriotism, and Integrity.
According to him, those values lie the compass for a successful career.
” To our friends from other nations, I encourage you to sustain the friendships you have built in Nigeria, and to let them grow into bridges of cooperation and solidarity between your nations and ours, ” he said.
The Nigerian leader noted that the college represents the finest expression of the country’s commitment to building human capital in areas critical to national survival.
Tinubu commended the college Commandant, the Management Team, and the Faculty for their dedication to grooming ‘this distinguished set of strategic leaders for our Armed Forces, for Ministries, Departments and Agencies”.
” For the friendly nations represented on this course, I also salute the dignitaries and friends of the college whose presence here today adds dignity to this occasion.
” 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 accomplishment of which you must be deeply proud of.
“We are gathered here to honour your commitment, your endurance, and your devotion to a worthy cause.
” I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and harvest the strategies you proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” he said
