Nigerian alumni from the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) and Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) have attended the country’s first reunion for former course members.
Hosted by the British High Commission and Defence Section in Abuja, over 50 senior officers from the Nigerian Armed Forces, including retired military and non-military personnel, were able to celebrate and reflect on the strong ties between the two nations.
The event aimed to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the Nigerian alumni, as well as reinvigorating and formalising their engagement and relationships with the British Defence Section.
Addressing the attendees, British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery CMG, emphasised the strong partnership between the UK and Nigeria that dated back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960. He also noted Nigeria’s leadership and influence on the continent through bodies such as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.
He highlighted the recent strategic partnership signed by both countries during the visit of the British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, in November 2024, which demonstrated UK collaboration with Nigeria in security and defence, trade and investment, and development co-operation.
Addressing the gathering, UK Defence Adviser and former ACSC graduate, Brigadier Tom Harper, noted that former Nigerian President, General (Ret’d) Olusegun Obasanjo, had himself attended RCDS.
He went on to explain that the evening’s benefits were three-fold:
- to celebrate the unique relationship between the Nigerian military, the Defence Academy and RCDS
- to recognise the depth of experience and expertise within the alumni of both courses
- to re-kindle old friendships and make new ones
Furthermore, Brigadier Harper encouraged attendees to join the alumni networking platform - Summit.
A letter from the Commandant of the Defence Academy, Major General Peter Rowell, was read out in which he highlighted the significant contribution that international course members make to ACSC, by bringing different perspectives and expertise to the discussion. He further noted that Nigeria continues to send some of its best officers to the Defence Academy, and that the Academy remains extremely grateful for the contribution they make.
Major General Rowell encouraged engagement with Summit, emphasising that the platform “belongs to the alumni”, noting that it already has more than 1,100 members.
In response to the speeches by the British High Commissioner and the Defence Adviser, the Chair of the RCDS alumni, Major General (Ret’d) Oshinowo, shared thoughts on the bonds created between former course members, and his hopes that the reception would become an annual activity.
Major General Oshinowo closed the event with a certificate presentation to Brigadier Harper, declaring him an honorary member of the RCDS alumni, Nigeria chapter. Brigadier Harper received this with great thanks, pledging to foster the professional relationship between RCDS and ACSC alumni, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Alumni of RCDS, Higher Command and Staff Course and ACSC are invited to join the Summit Alumni Network.