Abuja: 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, stated that the inauguration of the Army War College Nigeria Alumni Association (AWCNAA) marks a new chapter in the history of the college.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oluyede was represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. William Dangana. He emphasized that the inauguration is a reaffirmation of the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to operational excellence, professional military education, and strategic leadership development. Since its establishment in 2017, AWCN has evolved into a centre of excellence for operational-level leadership development, campaign planning, and joint operational art.
The college has produced leaders who have served 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. Oluyede highlighted that 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 the Alumni Association is a welcome and timely initiative aimed at stimulating continuous interaction among graduates, fostering enduring professional networks, strengthening inter-agency and civil-military cooperation, and contributing to the collective national defence architecture.
The theme of the event, ‘Building Strategic Networks for Operational Excellence and National Defence’, was described as both apt and urgent by the COAS. He noted that Nigeria’s evolving security environment is characterized by multidimensional threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency to cyber warfare, transnational organized crime, and disinformation campaigns. Addressing these challenges effectively requires well-trained personnel and strong strategic networks that promote unity of effort across all levels of security and governance. Alumni associations serve as strategic enablers promoting shared learning, joint problem-solving, and cross-fertilization of ideas essential for success in today’s complex operational environment.
Oluyede commended the Commandant and Governing Council of the College for their foresight in establishing the association and urged the newly formed alumni body to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service. Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, the Commandant of AWCN, stated that the association, with 596 members, would serve as a platform for continuous learning, mentorship, and strategic collaboration across military, security, and civil sectors. The initiative aligns 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.