The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) of improved collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and the Institute in advancing national development and security.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday, December 18, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, to his office. He commended the Institute for its significant contributions to nation-building through the training of strategic-level manpower and policy-oriented research aimed at driving transformational development.
The CDS noted that the research and development efforts of NIPSS are particularly crucial at this critical period in the nation’s history, adding that the Armed Forces are ready to partner with the Institute in developing practical solutions to Nigeria’s current challenges. As an alumnus of NIPSS and a member of its Board of Governors, General Oluyede reiterated the unflinching support of the AFN in all areas to enable the Institute effectively discharge its mandate.
Earlier, Professor Omotayo expressed appreciation to the CDS and the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and security. He briefed the CDS on an ongoing collaborative project between NIPSS and the Nigerian Army aimed at developing solutions to pressing national issues, and appealed for increased support from the Armed Forces to ensure the success of the initiative.
The NIPSS Director General also disclosed plans to reposition the Institute as an African think-tank centre for the incubation and development of transformational ideas. He therefore sought the backing of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to fully realise this vision, while also calling for sustained support to improve the teaching and learning environment at the Institute.
The visit underscored the shared commitment of the Armed Forces and NIPSS to strengthening policy formulation, strategic thinking, and national security through enhanced institutional collaboration.
