The Education Minister, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, has inaugurated a 19-member Governing Council of the National Defence University (NDU) at the Ministry of Defence to steer the affairs of the institution.

Leading members to take the Oaths of Office, Secrecy and Allegiance, Honourable Iddrisu said the University would unify and elevate tertiary-level defence and security education under a single academic framework. He stressed the need for inclusive admission policies in line with the National Defence University Act, while building the capacity of military personnel, other security services and civilians to address evolving security, cyber and geopolitical challenges. He added that the institution would consolidate fragmented military and security training bodies under one collegiate structure.

The Defence Minister, Honourable Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, emphasised that national and military strength depends not only on equipment and operational capabilities but also on developing the minds, character and judgement of future leaders. He noted that as security threats increasingly intersect with technology, politics, economics and cyber warfare, the University must equip personnel with both professional competence and the moral values needed to exercise it responsibly.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, pledged to develop a practical transition and integration plan, strengthen institutional culture, uphold academic standards and formulate a focused strategic plan. He said the Council would establish a robust governance framework grounded in the University’s founding Act, accountability, consultation and due process to ensure effective administration and build an institution of lasting national and continental significance.

The National Defence University is expected to become a centre of excellence for strategic studies, operational readiness, research and policy development, supporting African-led approaches to peace and security.