Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Lassa, Commandant, Nigerian Army Intelligence School, has changed officers to maintain high standard of professionalism and evolve new thinking in operational strategy to tackle adversaries.

Lassa gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Nigerian Army Leaders Development Seminar with the theme: “The Importance of Cognitive Skills in Leadership Within a Complex Environment”.

The seminar was organized by the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) in conjunction with the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) for Lieutenant Colonels, Colonels and its equivalent.

He said that the seminar was expected to imbue the officers with the skills and competences required in their various capacities to tackle current and future challenges, adding that he was optimistic this had been achieved.

“Cognitive skills are very relevant in dealing with unfolding scenarios in the various theatres of operations, this is because defeating insurgency, terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other violent non state actors require new thinking and cognitive skills.

“Therefore, I urge you to continue to maintain the high standard of professionalism your Institute is renowned for,” he said.

The commandant said that professionalism required realistic mission oriented trainings which could only be achieved through well-developed personal cognitive skills, excellent military skills and high ethical standards.

He said that attaining such standards was is inline with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya of “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment, in Defence of Nigeria”.

“I am sure that the training has exposed the officers to a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and best practices in leadership within a complex environment.

“This is because it centred on how to navigate complex environment through cognitive model, gaining competitive advantage through cognitive strategies and promoting team cognition for optimum performance,” Lassa said.

Lassa added that it was the responsibility of officers to effectively manage, harness and utilise the capabilities of men and material placed under their command.

“Therefore, you must think through every situation thoroughly, using the operating principles of cognitive skills you have acquired in this leadership development seminar.”

In his remarks, the Commandant, NASFA, Brig.-Gen. Julius Osifo said that the institution had graduated 4,542 personnel since it started organising the training seminar series in 2010.

The three-day seminar was held from May 22 to May 25.