COAS inaugurates Strategic Management Course 2, 2019; task participants on security solutions through non kinetic engagement

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Wednesday 9th October 2019, inaugurated the strategic management and policy studies for batch 2 participants at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

Speaking at the inauguration, the COAS said the commencement of the second edition is an indication that the strategic management and policy studies course being conducted by NARC in conjunction with NDA is gaining momentum and has actually become part of the national calendar.

He said, “The course was conceived and developed as part of the human capital development mandate of NARC.

“As you are aware, the centre was established to proffer research based solutions to defence and security challenges facing the nation which also requires human resource development.

“The performance, encomium and positive reports received from participants, facilitators, faculty contributing organizations and observers about the first edition of this course gladden the hearts of those of us who conceptualized the course.

“The Nigerian army, as with its other mandates has risen to the challenge and has conducted the course with the seriousness it deserves.

“As part of the continuous upgrade, the first round of course 1 consisting of policy, management, entrepreneurship and research methodology were reviewed and increased to five to include Psychology in line with the objectives of the course and guidelines of the National Universities Commission (NUC). This is to place participants at par with similar courses in other parts of the world.

Recalling that “This second edition of the course is holding three months after the maiden course graduated with much pomp and pageantry” the COAS said, “However, emphasis is not only on academics as other factors were considered given the peculiar target which is the entire security architecture of the nation.

“Thus, security which in itself has expanded beyond the old state centrist dimension to now cover all human endeavours is a major factor in this course.

“The course is therefore designed to examine security through other lenses rather than the pure kinetic engagement which most of the participants are used to.

“Consequently, factors like security and population explosion are given attention. This is not done in isolation but commenced with theoretical examination of policy formation, interpretation and management policy which is tact grand strategy in some quotas.

“You will be examining and analyzing such pronouncements and related activities in which actions of various ministries, departments and agencies are based. Understanding all this will stand you in great state in various capacities within your organization while in service and individually when you are on your own.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous support to the armed forces in the area training and capacity building of officers and pledged the unflinching loyalty of the army to the government.

On his part, Director General NARC, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd), said, “The strategic management and policy course is part of our mandate as a centre for human resource development not only for the Nigerian army but other security agencies and other agencies of government.

“The course is conducted principally with the Nigerian Defence Academy and other collaborators both locally and internationally” adding, “The first round of course 1 has been reviewed from the policy, entrepreneurship, research methodology and psychology.

“Our objective is to improve the intellectual excellence of the participants, examine security through a non-kinetic line of operation, improve inter-agency cooperation or collaboration; creating lifelong relationship as part of human resource development”.

He commended the COAS for providing the enabling environment for not only the centre but for the course itself.

END