The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, has urged participants of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 8/2025 of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja, to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to enhance service delivery, strengthen their respective institutions and contribute meaningfully to national development.
A statement signed by Major Augustine Kolawole Bello,Ag Deputy Director Army Public Relations Nigerian Army Resource Centre,Abuja said the COAS gave the charge at the graduation ceremony held on Friday, 7 August 2026, at Hall C, Tukur Yusuf Buratai Block, NARC, where he was represented by the Deputy Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Army Headquarters, Major General JIB Manjang.
Congratulating the graduates on the successful completion of the 11-month programme, the COAS stated that the course had further enhanced their capacity to analyse complex strategic issues, formulate sound policies and develop practical solutions to organisational and national challenges through the application of appropriate research methodologies and evidence-based decision-making.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General JGK Myam (Rtd) OFR, described the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course as a higher-level professional and academic programme designed for senior officers of the Armed Forces, intelligence and paramilitary agencies, as well as senior officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He explained that the course equips participants with the strategic knowledge, analytical competence and leadership skills required to address Nigeria’s evolving security and governance challenges.
The Director General commended the participants for their commitment throughout the programme and urged them to translate the knowledge and competencies acquired into practical solutions within their various organisations. He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, sponsoring organisations and collaborating institutions for their continued support towards the successful conduct of the course.
Presenting the course report, the Director of Human Resources disclosed that the programme commenced on 26 September 2025 and was formally inaugurated on 25 October 2025. He explained that the course was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the relationship between public policy and national challenges while developing their critical thinking, leadership and strategic management capabilities. He added that the curriculum covered public policy, strategic management, entrepreneurship, leadership, research methodology and other specialised areas relevant to national development. According to him, the participants were drawn from the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Customs Service, other paramilitary organisations and several Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the participants in recognition of their successful completion of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 8/2025.
In his vote of thanks, the Executive Director, NARC Consult, Major General AOD Okoro PhD, appreciated the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the programme. He also thanked the faculty, sponsoring organisations and other stakeholders whose support ensured the successful conduct of the course.
The graduation ceremony was preceded by a Graduation Luncheon held on Thursday, 6 August 2026, at the Centre Restaurant. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Undiandeye, was the Special Guest of Honour and was represented by the Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman. The events concluded with a group photograph at the Centre’s Photo Stand.
