On Tuesday, 9 September 2025, the graduation lecture for Naval Warfare Course (NWC) 9 was held at the Naval War College Nigeria (NWCN) Auditorium. The lecture was organized as part of the graduation activities to intellectually engage the graduating participants and to prepare them for the challenges and responsibilities of military leadership in a rapidly evolving technological environment. The lecture titled ‘Leadership in an Emerging Technological Environment: Prospects for Future Generation Leaders in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN)’ was delivered by a seasoned senior officer, Air Vice Marshal LA Alao (Retired). The objective of the lecture was to equip graduating participants with the strategic insight and forward-thinking leadership mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of modern military operations in a tech-driven global landscape.
Air Vice Marshal Alao (Retired) underscored the accelerating pace of technological advancement and its direct implications for national defense and security. He pointed out how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomy and robotics, hypersonic weapons and direct energy weapons, quantum technology, and space technology are reshaping warfare and defense strategy globally. The seasoned guest speaker also highlighted some prospects for future generation of leaders in the AFN in adapting to emerging technologies. He concluded his lecture by urging the graduating participants to embrace innovation, uphold discipline, and remain committed to national service as they transition into operational leadership roles.
The Commandant NWCN, Rear Admiral AO Olodude appreciated the Guest Speaker for sparing time from his busy schedule to deliver the lecture. He thereafter described the lecture as ‘insightful and though-provoking’, reminding the graduating participants that leadership in today’s military goes beyond command – it requires vision, innovation and adaptability. He concluded his remarks by encouraging the graduating participants to note the lessons from the lecture for future applications as operational-level commanders.
