Rear Admiral Okosun Takes Over As 21St Commandant of The National Defence College Nigeria
Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okosun has formally assumed office as the 21st Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, following the redeployment of his predecessor, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu.
Speaking at the handing and taking over ceremony, Rear Admiral Okosun expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for the confidence reposed in him. He also acknowledged the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for entrusting him with the leadership of the apex military training institution.
The new Commandant praised Rear Admiral Olotu for the significant accomplishments recorded during his tenure, particularly in strengthening institutional frameworks and expanding the capacity of the Irregular Warfare Centre. He pledged to build on those foundations, with a renewed focus on effective administration and strategic innovation aimed at taking the College to greater heights.
Rear Admiral Okosun called for the cooperation and support of the College community in achieving his vision of purposeful leadership that contributes meaningfully to national security imperatives. He emphasised that his administration will be guided by the mission of the College and will prioritise programs that deliver impact-driven results.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Commandant, Rear Admiral Olotu, expressed appreciation to the officers, faculty, administrative and civilian staff for their dedication throughout his 24-month tenure. He described his successor as a highly capable and well-rounded officer poised to advance the College’s legacy.
Rear Admiral Okosun’s distinguished military career began at the Air Force Military School, Jos. He later gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 40th Regular Course, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Since his commissioning into the NN, he has served in several critical roles, including Marine Engineering Officer aboard NNS ERINOMI and NNS OLOGBO, Assistant Director of Air Engineering at Naval Headquarters, and Officer-in-Charge of Fleet Support Unit, NNS PATHFINDER.
His senior leadership roles include Commander, Fleet Support Group (East); Directing Staff and Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji as well as Directing Staff at the NDC, Nigeria; and most recently, Director of Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Naval Headquarters.
Rear Admiral Okosun holds a Master’s degree in Project Management. He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, among other professional affiliations. His military honours include the Grand Service Star (GSS), Pass Staff Course Dagger (psc+), Distinguished Fellow of the Defence College (fdc+), and Distinguished Eminent Fellow of the Naval War College.
Other symbolic proceedings of the ceremony included the signing of handover notes, the ceremonial exchange of the Command Flag, and the lowering and hoisting of the College’s Flag, signifying the formal transition of leadership.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were members of the NDC Advisory Committee, past Commandants of the College, Deputy Commandant Major General Kevin Ukandu, College Secretary Air Vice Marshal Ayodele Hanidu, Provost Professor Adam Ahmed, current and past Coordinators of the National Defence College Officers’ Wives Association (NDCOWA), as well as faculty members, directors, administrative personnel, and members of the wider College community.
