Northern Pulse: COAS tasks Warrant Officers Academy graduates on national security, operational excellence

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu'aibu, has charged graduates of Warrant Officers Academy Course 47 to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training towards strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army and enhancing national security.

Shu'aibu gave the charge on Friday at the graduation ceremony of Course 47 of the Warrant Officers Academy, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.

Represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, the COAS said the graduation marked another milestone in the Army's ongoing transformation efforts aimed at developing competent junior leaders and senior non-commissioned officers.

He noted that the Nigerian Army recognised the critical role of junior leaders in command, leadership and operational effectiveness, adding that the academy was established to address leadership challenges at that level.

According to him, the training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to effectively discharge their responsibilities and bridge the leadership gap between commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.

"I am confident that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training will enhance your critical thinking abilities, leadership qualities and professional competence as both junior and senior non-commissioned officers," he said.

Shu'aibu urged the graduates to deploy the knowledge gained to strengthen the operational capabilities of their respective units and contribute meaningfully to national security.

The army chief also commended the Chief of Training and his team for their commitment to improving leadership training within the Armed Forces.

He further urged the graduates to serve as agents of positive change and transformation in their units, applying the values of professionalism, leadership, knowledge management, artificial intelligence, records management and documentation acquired during the course.

Shu'aibu also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Warrant Officers Academy, Brig.-Gen. Anthony Wende, said the academy had remained committed to developing the professional competence, leadership and administrative capabilities of senior non-commissioned officers since its establishment in 1994.

Wende said the two-week course was designed to improve efficiency in tactical planning, communication, command decision-making and leadership, while bridging the gap between senior officers and junior leaders within the Nigerian Army.

He congratulated the graduands for their dedication, discipline and hard work throughout the programme and encouraged them to continue building on the knowledge acquired through self-development and continuous learning.

The commandant noted that Nigeria continued to face security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities, stressing that the training was intended to prepare participants to respond professionally and effectively.

He urged the graduates to remain focused, courageous, disciplined, honest and loyal in the discharge of their duties.

Wende also appreciated commanders and commandants of Nigerian Army schools and formations, as well as supporting agencies, for their contributions to the success of the course.

He equally commended the acting deputy commandant, chief instructor, instructors and members of staff for their dedication to producing well-trained personnel.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards for course participant who distinguished themselves during the course of study and certificates to the successful participants of Warrant Officers Academy Course 47.