NDA, Armed Forces Command and Staff College formalize academic collaboration

In a significant development on Tuesday, 30th January 2024, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the commencement of an academic Master’s Degree programme for AFCSC’s Senior Division Course.

The ceremony, held at the Loyalty Conference Hall, Headquarters NDA, Afaka, formalized the establishment of a Master’s programme for AFCSC Senior Division Course participants. This collaboration builds upon a prior successful partnership where NDA facilitated a professional Master’s Degree programme for AFCSC participants.

During the signing ceremony, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) HI Alhaji, the AFCSC Commandant, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the two institutions. He commended the efforts of Major General JO Ochai, the Commandant NDA, for his instrumental role in renewing and formalizing this collaboration. AVM Alhaji acknowledged the historical significance of NDA’s role in facilitating a Master’s Degree programme for AFCSC Senior Division participants.

Emphasizing the need for progress, AVM Alhaji stressed the importance of introducing the academic Master’s programme, considering AFCSC’s 40 years of existence and its role as a center of excellence for the military globally. He expressed AFCSC’s commitment to transformation and ongoing efforts to update the curriculum to address contemporary challenges and meet the specific needs of the Armed Forces.

In response, Commandant NDA, Major General JO Ochai, described the collaboration as a “Win-Win” for NDA, AFCSC, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He commended AVM Alhaji for initiating the decision to introduce the academic Master’s programme, foreseeing its positive impact on producing professional officers for Nigeria and allied nations.

Major General Ochai assured that NDA’s Master’s students would receive a high-quality education comparable to prestigious institutions like Kings College London, Oxford, and Harvard. He proposed collaboration between AFCSC and the UK Staff College, suggesting a mutual exchange of Directing Staff (DS) to enhance intellectual diversity.

Looking ahead, Maj Gen Ochai announced plans to invite the British Military Assistance Training Team (BMATT) to NDA in April for a workshop, fostering collaboration in areas of study relevant to NDA. He emphasized the importance of considering diverse perspectives for informed decision-making and avoiding groupthink.

The signing ceremony included the signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs, and Quarter Guard inspection. The event was witnessed by Deputy Commandants of NDA and AFCSC, Principal Staff Officers, Directors, members of Directing Staff, and Deans of Faculties from both institutions, marking a momentous occasion in the collaboration between these prestigious citadels of military training.