By Abdul Lauya
Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed has assumed command as the 22nd Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria’s apex military training and strategic leadership institution.
He takes over from Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okosun, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the premier college that grooms senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and participants from allied nations in national security and defence strategy.
Rear Admiral Ahmed’s appointment underscores the confidence of the military hierarchy in his professionalism, intellectual depth, and wealth of experience built over three decades of distinguished service in the Nigerian Navy.
A member of the 41st Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Rear Admiral Ahmed has risen through the ranks with a blend of academic excellence, operational command, and institutional leadership.
Before his new posting, he served as the 7th Commandant of the Naval War College, where he led strategic courses and presided over the graduation of Command Level Officers’ Course 7.
He has also held several high-profile appointments, including Deputy Chief of Defence Space Administration and Director of Recruitment, Resettlement, and Reserve at the Naval Headquarters, positions that showcased his administrative acumen and policy experience.
His career reflects a wide spectrum of command and instructional responsibilities, having served as Director of Plans at the Naval Headquarters, Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Training Command, Commander of Naval Base PATHFINDER, and Commander of Naval Unit Abuja.
As a seasoned instructor, Rear Admiral Ahmed has also served as Directing Staff at the National Defence College, the Air Force War College, and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he mentored officers in strategic leadership, defence policy, and inter-agency collaboration.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, obtained in 1993, and has complemented his military training with advanced studies across Africa and Europe.
He earned a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the University of Ghana, Legon, and another in International Security Studies from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom.
In 2014, Rear Admiral Ahmed further enhanced his professional portfolio by completing the International Cyber Policy Programme at Cranfield University, United Kingdom, broadening his expertise in the emerging domain of cyber defence.
His professional honours include the Grand Service Star (GSS), Pass Staff College Dagger (psc+), and Distinguished Fellowship awards from the Air Force War College (afwc+), National Defence College (fdc+), and Naval War College (defnc).
He is also a recipient of the Chief of Naval Staff Commendation for exceptional performance and service dedication.
Admired for his humility, calm disposition, and disciplined leadership style, Rear Admiral Ahmed is widely regarded as a reform-driven officer with an enduring passion for excellence, intellectual rigor, and ethical command.
As he takes the helm at the National Defence College, expectations are high that his tenure will strengthen the institution’s global reputation as a centre of excellence in strategic thought, defence policy, and leadership training.
Rear Admiral Ahmed enjoys reading and long-range hunting, hobbies that mirror his reflective and steady approach to leadership. He is married with children.
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