NDA Signs MoU with Shinkafi Centre for Masters Programme

John Shiklam

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna and the Umaru Shinkafi Centre for Africa Extractive Policy Research (USCAEPR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to run a master’s programme in Energy Security Management in Africa (MESM) at the academy in July.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Commandant of the NDA, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim commended the USCAEPR for the initiative, saying that the collaboration will promote knowledge, especially in the extractive industry and contribute to the country’s economic advancement.

He said the programme has been structured to provide Africa-focused seminars/handson training by globally respected academics and industry thought leaders on bespoke issues on energy security in Africa and its interaction with oil, gas, mining and renewable energy licensing regimes, regulations, fiscal policy frameworks, contracts negotiation, supply chain administration and investment growth.

“It is commendable to see your efforts and drive to actualise this programme. I can see the enthusiasm and the purposefulness in your drive and I want you to continue.”

Ibrahim said the NDA is a brand name that the country is proud of having been in the business of training the finest military officers in the past 50 years. He said although the institution is a closed military and academic community “while we try to be secret with our military component, we are forced to opened our doors to people of like minds like your institution.”

In his remarks, the Director General of USCAEPR, Dr. Perisuo Dema, said the collaboration will introduce a new vista in national values, not just on security and energy.

“We have found out that in this country, considering national economic plans and national development plans, little consideration has been given to energy security.