Graduates of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s (NDA) Master of Philosophy in Leadership and Strategic Studies (MPhil LSS) Course 5 have been urged by key stakeholders to actively engage in tackling Nigeria’s critical leadership issues.
The appeal highlighted the necessity for these alumni to provide insightful guidance and mentorship to both current and emerging leaders, aiming to enhance governance across the public sector.
During the launch event in Abuja for the book titled ‘Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Lessons from the Past, Current Approaches and Future Insights,’ authored by the MPhil LSS Course 5 graduates, keynote speaker Major General A. Oyebade (Rtd) emphasized that true leadership is about creating enduring positive impact within society.
Oyebade underscored that leadership transcends theoretical knowledge; it demands strategic implementation geared towards the sustainable advancement of communities or organizations.
He praised the graduates for consolidating their research into a published work, thereby making their insights accessible to leaders and the wider public for learning and application.
Echoing this sentiment, the event’s chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Magayaki, acknowledged the graduates’ diligence, perseverance, and dedication, encouraging them to translate their academic achievements into tangible benefits for society.
Magayaki remarked that the book’s release, reflecting the students’ campus experiences, demonstrated their genuine engagement with the institution rather than a mere passage through it.
He urged the graduates to leverage their academic and practical experiences to make meaningful contributions to national development.
Highlighting the gravity of leadership challenges, Magayaki pointed out the urgent need for visionary leaders capable of delivering results and adapting through continuous feedback and reflection.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, commended the graduates for addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted problems in their book and proposing viable solutions.
Represented by Hon Hassan Abdullahi, the Bauchi South Senator expressed optimism that the publication would be widely distributed to libraries, ensuring future leaders have access to its valuable content.
Dr. Maryam Hamza, a lecturer in the Department of History and War Studies, highlighted that the MPhil program effectively bridges the divide between academic theory and practical leadership application, noting the profound transformation the students have undergone since enrollment.
“Nigeria’s foremost challenge lies in leadership,” she stated, “and these students have internalized lessons from the program, applying them in real-world contexts.”
Dr. Hamza further explained that the issue is not a shortage of leaders but the need for effective leadership, emphasizing that responsibility also lies with followers.
She concluded by stressing the interdependence of leadership and followership, asserting, “Leaders cannot exist without followers, just as followers need leaders.”
