IntercontinentalNewsReservoir: Warrant Officers Academy boosts Nigeria’s security capacity as it graduates 77 SNCOs

The Warrant Officers Academy(WOA), on Friday graduated no fewer than 77 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs), further boosting Nigeria’s security capacity in defeating terrorism.

The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) report that the 77 SNCOs consisted of 74 Nigerian Army personnel, cutting across various NA Corps, 2 Nigerian Navy personnel and one Nigerian Air Force personnel.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, in his graduating speech at the Warrant Officers’ Academy Course 46/2025, said the graduation marked yet another milestone in the history of the WOA and its contributions to the ongoing transformation efforts within the Nigerian Army.

NÀN reports that the Army chief was represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut.

He said, “Through effective training, the academy had developed the capacity of SNCOs, enabling them to better discharge their responsibilities and bridge the gap between commissioned officers and the enlisted cadre.”

According to him. the Armed Forces recognise the critical roles that Warrant Officers and SNCOs play in command and leadership positions.

He said the establishment of the academy was a deliberate effort to address the challenges of junior leadership, which was crucial for effective decision-making, especially in the face of our nation’s security challenges.

He congratulated the graduands for successfully completing the intensive course.

"I am confident that the skills you have acquired will equip you to bridge the knowledge and leadership gaps as you return to your units and formations.

“The curriculum you have engaged with has prepared you to contribute effectively to administration and operations.

“I charge you to employ the knowledge and skills gained here to project your leadership and managerial capabilities for the benefit of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in whatever capacity you are deployed, “he said.

Shaibu commended the Commandant and his team of instructors, as well as the staff of the academy, for their dedication and contributions to the success of this course.

” I also recognise that we have personnel from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force among the graduands.

” This initiative fosters inter-service collaboration, and I applaud the Chief of Training (Army) for promoting joint training among junior leaders in the Armed Forces.

“The knowledge you graduands have gained particularly in mentorship, leadership, man-management, regimentation, artificial intelligence, and practical field exercises will significantly enhance your performance upon returning to your respective units,”Shaibu said.

The Army chief expressed his gratitude to l President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.

He said his commitment to repositioning the military for effective service delivery was deeply appreciated.

Earlier, the Commandant , WOA , Brig-Gen. Aminu Umar, said the graduation marked the successful completion of the Warrant Officers’ Academy Course 46/2025 after 22 weeks of rigorous training.

Umar said, “This course is significant, as it comprises the 46th set of Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers since the academy’s inception in 1994.’

He said the training provided in the course involved intense field activities and academic exercises designed to enhance the capabilities of Senior Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers.

Umar said, “The focus was on equipping you to efficiently interpret and communicate command decisions, thereby bridging the gap between commissioned officers and junior non-commissioned officers.”

He said the WOA remained committed to improving curriculum, facilities, and training environment to ensure mission-oriented education.

“Given the ongoing challenges of terrorism, insurgency, and related criminal activities in our nation, we trust that your training will instill professionalism as you carry out your duties.

“I urge you to be courageous, honest, disciplined, and loyal leaders, “he said.

Umar appreciated Commanders and Commandants of Nigerian Army Units and Schools within Jaji and 1 Division Area of Responsibility for rendering various supports which have enabled the Academy to achieve its training objectives.

NÀN also reports that awards were given to the graduates who distinguished themselves during the course of study.