Tinubu Hails New Breed of Military Leaders as AFCSC Makes History with Joint Graduation
By Passman Akpos
The Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday, December 19, 2025, made history with its first-ever Joint Graduation Ceremony for Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 100.
The ceremony, held at the AVM AO Ogundana Officers’ Mess, Jaji Military Cantonment, marked the culmination of the College’s 2025 Training Year and brought together senior military leaders, government officials, diplomats, and families of the graduating officers.
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended the College for successfully concluding the training year on a high note. He congratulated the graduates and described the occasion as a reaffirmation of the core values of discipline, dedication, and patriotism that underpin the Nigerian Armed Forces.
President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. He highlighted ongoing efforts in the modernisation of the Armed Forces, enhancement of joint operations, investment in capacity development, and improvement of personnel welfare. The President also emphasised the need for professionalism, loyalty to constitutional authority, robust civil-military cooperation, and strict adherence to democratic values in tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, described the joint graduation as a significant milestone and the climax of the 2025 Training Year. He disclosed that the College successfully trained two Junior Courses and one Senior Staff Course using a contemporary and realistic curriculum designed to build an integrated modern force anchored on discipline, decisiveness, and diligence.
AVM Alhaji noted that the evolving security environment demands adaptability, strategic foresight, intelligent application of technology, and cultural awareness. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of international students from across Africa, whose diverse perspectives, he said, enriched the training experience and outcomes.
The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe; former Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom; the Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede; and the Service Chiefs. Other dignitaries included senior government officials, principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Highlights of the event included the conferment of the prestigious Pass Staff Course and Pass Junior Staff Course on the graduates, presentation of awards to outstanding students, exchange of souvenirs with the Special Guest of Honour and special guests, and group photographs to commemorate the historic occasion.
