Air Force War College
Nigeria
From a concept to develop operational-level airpower thinking, to the Nigerian Air Force's highest professional military training institution — the story of the Air Force War College, Nigeria.
The Air Force War College, Nigeria (AFWCN) was conceptualized to develop the capacity of middle cadre officers in operational planning and management for the effective employment of air power. It was established on 5 September 2016, with the aim of developing qualitative manpower in the field of airpower for the effective conduct of air operations.
The College's founding aligned with one of the key drivers of the Chief of the Air Staff's vision: standardised training and mission-focused capability development. Since then, AFWCN has grown into the highest professional military training institution in the Nigerian Air Force, playing a leading role in the articulation of strategy and doctrine for the development of airpower.
To develop qualitative manpower in the field of airpower for effective conduct of air operations and efficient utilization of airpower concepts and strategy.
College Mission StatementAFWCN was formally established on 5 September 2016 to develop qualitative manpower in airpower for the effective conduct of air operations, in line with the Chief of the Air Staff's vision of standardised training and mission-focused capability development.
The College was organized into a Headquarters, Directorate of Studies (headed by a Deputy Commandant, AVM), College Secretariat (Air Commodore) and Support Wing (Group Captain and below), each with defined offices and appointments.
The flagship War Course was structured into 26 weeks across 4 phases and 9 modules over 3 terms — Foundation, Military Professional, Operational Art & Campaign Planning, and Joint Exercise — admitting Wing Commanders and equivalent officers who have completed the Senior Staff Course.
Graduates of the War Course became eligible for the qualification Fellow of the Air Force War College (fawc), with Distinguished Fellow, fawc(+), awarded to Directing Staff completing at least 3 teaching terms or a one-year tour of study.
The College currently operates from a temporary site at NAF Base, Makurdi, Benue State. A permanent site is planned for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The College's present site at NAF Base, Makurdi is temporary. Plans are underway for a permanent site to be situated in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory — a facility befitting the highest professional military training institution in the Nigerian Air Force.