Zambian Defence University Delegation Visits NDC Nigeria on Benchmarking Mission
The National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria has hosted a high-level delegation from the Steering Committee of the Zambian Defence University who arrived Abuja on a benchmarking mission to strengthen cooperation in defence education and capacity development across Africa.
The team, led by Brigadier General Francis Kasempa, expressed delight at the opportunity to engage with NDC Nigeria, describing the College as a model institution and a natural choice for their study visit. According to him, the visit was informed by Nigeria’s prominent role in peace operations, regional security, and defence diplomacy, as well as the reputation of the NDC for setting high standards in strategic military training. “Our choice of NDC Nigeria was no mistake,” he said. “We are here to learn from an institution that has maintained quality and excellence over the years, and whose Armed Forces continue to play a leading role in Africa’s security architecture.”
In his welcome remarks, the Commandant of NDC Nigeria, Rear Admiral James Okosun, appreciated the delegation for choosing the College, noting that the visit was a testament to the enduring bond between Nigeria and Zambia. He assured that the NDC remained committed to fostering stronger partnerships with sister defence institutions across the continent. “NDC Nigeria will always be ready to share experiences, partner, and support initiatives that promote collective security and defence education in Africa,” the Commandant said.
The visiting delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the College, including its vision, academic structure, and programmes run under the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies (CSRS), which serves as a think tank for policy, security, and strategy. The team also embarked on a guided tour of the NDC headquarters facilities and the permanent site at Piwoyi, where they were shown ongoing developments aimed at enhancing the College’s capacity to deliver world-class defence education.
A robust interactive session was held between the two teams, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas on curriculum development, faculty training, research collaboration, and innovations in strategic leadership. Both sides underscored the importance of cooperation among African defence institutions in addressing shared challenges such as terrorism, transnational crime, and regional stability.
The visit concluded with mutual expressions of goodwill, with Brig Gen Kasempa describing the engagements as enriching and reaffirming Zambia’s readiness to deepen ties with NDC Nigeria for the benefit of both nations and the continent at large.
