The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has charged Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO) of the Nigerian Army to be innovative and creative, so as to end the security challenges confronting the country. Yahaya gave the charge at the 41st graduation ceremony of SNCO held at Warrant Officers Academy in Jaji Military Cantonment on Friday.
The COAS was represented by Maj-Gen Christopher Musa, Commander Infantry Corps Nigerian Army .
He explained that the Warrant Officers Academy was established to enhance the professional capacity of non-commissioned officers as junior leaders and the link between officers and soldiers.
Yahaya disclosed that henceforth, non-commissioned officers from the Airforce and Navy would be incorporated in the course curriculum of the Academy in order to foster more synergy in the fight against insecurity.
“I therefore charge you to employ the knowledge and skills acquired to project your leadership and management capabilities for the benefit of the Army in whatever capacity you are deployed.
“I believe the professional skills you have acquired during the course would enable you to be well equipped in bridging the knowledge and leadership gaps between officers and soldiers,” the COAS said.
He commended the Commandant and his team for reviewing the curriculum to improve the course content, focusing on leadership and mentoring.
This he said, would address current operational challenges, as well as highlighting the role of warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers.
Earlier, Commandant of the Academy, Brig-Gen Auwal Mahmuda explained that the course was aimed at developing the leadership and management skills of the graduands.
He added that it would also equip them to efficiently interpret and communicate command decisions down the line, thereby bridging the existing gap between officers and soldiers.
The Commandant charged the graduands to be courageous, honest, disciplined and loyal leaders.
Mahmuda expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for approving the construction of a new students’ hostel, adding that it is a morale booster that would enhance their performance.
A total of 60 warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers graduated after undergoing a 22-week intensive training.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving graduands.
