By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, Nigeria Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okosun has officially taken over as the 21st Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, succeeding Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, who concluded a successful tenure at the helm of the nation’s foremost strategic military training institution.
This was contained in a statement signed by Muhammad Tukur Muhammad Captain, Nigerian Navy Public Relations Officer National Defence College, Nigeria
Rear Admiral Okosun’s assumption of command marks a new chapter in the leadership of the NDC, bringing a wealth of experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to advancing the college’s role in national security and policy development.
A distinguished naval officer and marine engineer, Rear Admiral Okosun began his military journey at the Air Force Military School, Jos, and later joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as a member of the 40th Regular Course, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Throughout his career, he has undergone extensive military training, including the Officers’ Application Course at the Nigerian Navy Engineering College, Sapele; the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji; and the National Defence Course at the Nasser Higher Military Academy in Cairo, Egypt.
Rear Admiral Okosun has served in various operational, instructional, and strategic capacities within the Nigerian Navy and defence sector. His assignments have included serving as Marine Engineering Officer onboard NNS ERINOMI and NNS OLOGBO, and as Directing Staff and Chief Instructor at AFCSC, Jaji. He was also Directing Staff at the NDC and held technical and strategic positions at both Naval Headquarters (NHQ) and Defence Headquarters.
He has been instrumental in managing fleet operations and infrastructure, having served as Commander, Fleet Support Group (East), Director of Marine Engineering at NHQ, and Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Institute of Technology, Sapele. He also played key roles as Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies at the Naval War College Nigeria and General Manager at Naval Dockyard Limited. Before this latest appointment, he was the Director of Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation at NHQ.
Rear Admiral Okosun holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management and is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE) and the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM). His professional excellence is recognized with several prestigious honours, including the Grand Service Star (GSS), Pass Staff Course Dagger (psc⁺), Distinguished Fellow Defence College (fdc⁺), and the title of Distinguished Eminent Fellow of the Naval War College.
With his extensive expertise, leadership pedigree, and dedication to excellence, Rear Admiral Okosun is expected to chart a forward-looking course for the National Defence College, reaffirming its status as Nigeria’s apex institution for strategic military education and national security policy formulation.
