Visit of the Delegation from the National Defence College Nigeria to the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Between 18 and 24 May 2025, the 33rd cohort of participants from the National Defence College Nigeria (NDCN) paid an official visit to the Republic of Croatia. The NDCN participants included senior representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces, high-ranking police officials, members of federal ministries and government agencies of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as military officers from partner African countries. The purpose of their visit was to gain insight into various aspects of Croatian society through the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
NDCN is recognised as Nigeria's leading educational institution in the field of defence and strategic leadership. It is not only focused on advanced military education but also serves as a centre of excellence for training future leaders across political, economic, and security sectors.
The Nigerian delegation expressed a particular interest in the food industry and its role in national development, a highly relevant topic for Nigeria in the context of its ongoing economic transformation focused on strengthening local processing capacities, rather than relying solely on raw material exports.
As part of the study tour, the delegation visited the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, on Friday, 23 May 2025.
The NDCN delegation included the following representatives:
| Rank | Name | Institution | Remarks |
| Brig Gen | Jibrin Bawa Adams | Nigerian Army | Team leader |
| Brig Gen | Alhassan Mohammed Haruna | Nigerian Army | Directing staff |
| Brig Gen | Isidore Onwuaso Amah | Nigerian Army | Team coordinator |
| R Adm | Solomon Onyilo Agada (Rtd) | National Defence College | Directing staff |
| Col | Ahmed Tijani Briamah | Nigerian Army | Participant |
| Col | Sule Musa Ahmed | Nigerian Army | Participant |
| Col | Imoh Juhn Etuk | Nigerian Army | Participant |
| Capt (NN) | Austin Ejembi Okorie | Nigerian Navy | Participant |
| Gp Capt | Lukman Akande Lawal | Nigerian Air Force | Participant |
| Corps Comd | Abdullahi Gambarawa Sanusi | Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria | Participant |
| DCP | Mohammed Jika Abubakar | Nigeria Police | Participant |
| AD | Loveth Kisitmak Gakkuk | Nigeria Defence Intelligence Agency | Participant |
| Dir | Ziphion John Chrysanthus | Plateau State Civil Service, Nigeria | Participant |
| Col | Ousman Bah | Gambian Army | Participant |
| Prof | Shuaibu Alhaji Samson | National Defence College | Staff |
The delegation was warmly welcomed by members of the Faculty leadership: Dean Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Mešić, Vice-Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Branka Šakić Bobić, and Vice-Deans Prof. Dr. Josip Leto and Prof. Dr. Darko Preiner. Also present were heads of departments, experimental station managers, and staff of the Office for International Relations and Projects.
The meeting began with the introduction of the guests, followed by a presentation of the Faculty's structure, research focus, and strategic goals. A dynamic and engaging discussion ensued, exploring possible areas of cooperation between the institutions. Both sides expressed a strong willingness to initiate scientific and professional collaboration and highlighted the importance of involving the respective ministries to support institutional partnerships at the strategic level.
This visit opened the door to establishing long-term scientific and economic ties between Croatian higher education institutions and Nigeria – a politically and economically significant country on the African continent.
About NDCN
The National Defence College Nigeria (NDCN), established in 1992, is the highest military training institution for senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as for top-level civil servants from key ministries, agencies, and partner countries. Located in Abuja, NDCN focuses on the development of strategic leadership and the enhancement of knowledge in national and international security issues and global affairs.
Graduates of this prestigious institution often go on to hold top command, staff, and policymaking positions, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s national and international strategic goals. Beyond the military sector, NDCN is recognised as a source of future leaders in the civil, political, security, and economic spheres. It also plays a vital role in fostering international defence cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
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