Ilorin: The Nigerian Army is set to address its manpower gaps by implementing approved courses and capacity-building training for its personnel, as announced by the Chief of Training, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Practical Based Certificate Course in Library and Information Science and Capacity Building Training on Watch Keeping Course, alongside other 4th Quarter Courses in Ilorin.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the newly introduced courses include the Advanced Certificate in Museum and Archives Course, Advanced Certificate in Library Science, YOC Edn, Adv SAT and Curriculum Development, Watch Keeping Training, and Advanced IST. These courses align with the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC)’s objective to enhance role performance.
Maj.-Gen. Ndalolo emphasized that the courses, notably the Certificate Course in Library and Information Science and the Watch Keeping Course, aim to fill the critical gaps in manpower required for the Corps’ statutory roles. These roles involve managing Nigerian Army libraries and maintaining continuous monitoring of troop movements, enemy activities, and communication among field units and command centers.
The Chief of Training expressed confidence that practical experience from these courses would ensure effective service delivery and operational coordination. Ndalolo stated that the NAEC is expected to produce competent officers and soldiers suitable for deployment across various operational theaters, institutions, and Tri-Service establishments.
The Commander of NAEC, Maj.-Gen. Adebukola Oguntola, highlighted the significance of training in achieving satisfactory performance of the Corps’ statutory roles. The emphasis on practical training in Library Operations and Watch Keeping was noted as a response to the urgent need for skilled personnel in these areas.
Oguntola further explained that Library Operations training equips personnel with hands-on skills for managing and professionalizing Nigerian Army libraries, while Watch Keeping training prepares manpower for operations rooms, ensuring the continuous monitoring of troops and facilitating coordination among command centers.
Acting Commandant of the Nigerian Army Institute of Science Education Technology (NAISET), Brig.-Gen. Damian Dieke, remarked on the strategic importance of the inauguration ceremonies. He pointed out that these events mark the commencement of specialized training programs designed to enhance operational effectiveness and leadership capacity within the military.
The training programs, which have enrolled 127 officers, are scheduled to run from October 3 to December 19.