BTvNEWS

Interactive session highlights the root causes of insecurity, civil-military coordination, and the shared responsibility for building a safer Nigeria, culminating in a mutual exchange of awards.

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna, Nigeria

BTvNEWS: As Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges across different regions of the country, the Institute of Governance and Development Studies (IGDS), Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), is undertaking a National Study Tour for Course 9 students of the Security and Strategic Studies Programme at the PhD and M.Phil. levels in Kaduna State.

Speaking with the BTVNEWS correspondent in Kaduna, the Director of the Institute of Governance and Development Studies, Professor Terhemba Shija, said the exercise, which commenced on Monday and scheduled to run from 21st to 26th June, 2026, is designed to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and practical security management through direct engagement with key security institutions across the country.

The study tour is themed “International Security, Non-State Armed Groups and Civil-Military Coordination,” reflecting the growing importance of collaborative approaches to addressing contemporary security threats and strengthening national stability.

According to Professor Shija, the programme brings together scholars and practitioners to exchange ideas, deepen their understanding of emerging security dynamics, and explore practical strategies for enhancing national security.

As part of the study tour, the participants paid a courtesy visit to the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, on 22nd June, 2026.

The Commandant warmly received the delegation and led an interactive session focusing on contemporary security challenges, civil-military relations, and the importance of strategic coordination in safeguarding Nigeria’s peace and stability.

“Terrorism and banditry are products of bad governance, abject poverty, illiteracy, religious bigotry, and several other socio-economic challenges. Until these root causes are adequately addressed, achieving lasting peace and security will remain difficult,” he said.

“The military contributes about 30 per cent of the efforts required to curb insecurity, while the remaining 70 per cent lies with other security agencies, government institutions, and every Nigerian. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he added.

“The Nigerian Defence Academy provides the foundational training for every military officer, after which they continue to build on that foundation through other professional military training programmes and operational experiences,” he further stressed.

The engagement provided participants with valuable insights into military operations, security governance, policy implementation, and the realities of Nigeria’s security architecture. It also reinforced the importance of effective civil-military collaboration and strategic partnerships in addressing evolving national and international security threats.

Responding on behalf of the Institute, Course 9 students, and all participants, Professor Terhemba Shija expressed profound appreciation to the Commandant for the warm reception and insightful engagement.

“I am indeed grateful to you, Sir, for giving us the opportunity to visit the Nigerian Defence Academy and for granting us an interactive engagement that has been educative, expansive, impactful, and analytical. We sincerely appreciate your hospitality and the wealth of knowledge you have shared with us,” he said.

“I encourage every participant to diligently apply all that has been learnt during this visit so that we can all become positive contributors to the collective effort of addressing insecurity across every region of Nigeria,” he added.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership, professional competence, and warm reception of the delegation, the Director of the Institute of Governance and Development Studies, Professor Tahir Shidam, presented a Meritorious Award to Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye.

In appreciation of the Institute’s commitment to advancing security education and strategic research, the NDA Commandant, in turn, presented an Award of Excellence to Professor Shidam.

The visit further underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between academic institutions and security agencies in promoting informed research, strategic policy engagement, and practical solutions to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.