Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, the Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), has revealed plans to transform the institution into a first-grade degree-awarding establishment. This revelation came during a visit by Lt.-Gen. Michael Plehn, President of the National Defence University (NDU) of the United States, to the NDC in Abuja on Tuesday.
Currently awarding master’s degrees in Security and Strategic Studies through two affiliated institutions, the NDC aspires to confer its own degrees. Rear Admiral Olotu conveyed that the college is in the process of seeking approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and amending its act of establishment to facilitate this transition.
Operating from a temporary facility, the NDC is progressing toward the completion of its permanent site, with the main building for offices and classes near completion. Participants currently reside on-site.
Rear Admiral Olotu emphasized the commitment of the college to providing research-based solutions to national security and development challenges. He highlighted the collaboration with various armed forces branches, conducting research in defence and security, science and technology, and other critical areas.
Calling for closer ties with the U.S. NDU, Rear Admiral Olotu proposed an academic exchange program and capacity development for directing staff.
He emphasized the college’s role in organizing seminars, workshops, and collaborative efforts with similar organizations and research institutes.
Lt.-Gen. Michael Plehn, President of the U.S. NDU, acknowledged the close relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria in defence and security. The purpose of his visit was to explore commonalities in professional military education and exchange ideas between the two defence institutions.
This potential transition of the National Defence College into a degree-granting institution marks a significant stride toward enhancing its academic standing and further solidifying its role in national security and development research.
