As part of its contribution towards the collective effort to advance the cause of national security, Igbinedion University Okada is set to include non-kinetic courses into its academic programme, while advocating for the inclusion of non-kinetic approach in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other security challenges in Nigeria.

Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, made the disclosure in his remarks during the institution’s Annual Lecture Series which was held on Wednesday, 19th February, at the University’s Library Complex, Conference Hall in Okada, Edo State.

“We believe that as the presenter has shown us today that it is not only the kinetic way, our university has been in the forefront of this advocacy of the non-kinetic approach, and so one way we want to forge this idea forward is to start developing courses that have to do with non-kinetic approach into our curriculum, and as such, today we have directed that the centre should develop a full module for short courses and also mainstream the non-kinetic approach into our academic programme in the Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs Study of our university,” Ezemonye said.

Earlier, while delivering the Annual Lecture Series on “Optimizing Non-Kinetic Efforts in Nigerian Army’s Approach To Military Operations”, the guest speaker, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf (Rtd.), underscored the importance of integrating non-kinetic measures in addressing security challenges.

Yusuf, a former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division, former Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, Chad, and former Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), emphasized that while kinetic (military force-based) strategies remain crucial, non-kinetic approaches such as community engagement, economic development, and governance reforms play a vital role in achieving sustainable peace.

“The kinetic approach alone is not enough; it is imperative to win the hearts and minds of the people in conflict-prone areas through strategic non-kinetic efforts,” Yusuf stated, citing global and regional examples to support his argument.

He further highlighted that a lack of governance and poverty often fuel insecurity, making non-kinetic interventions essential in counter-insurgency operations.

The Director, Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, Prof. Olufemi Olufunmilade, posited that the government, armed forces, security and intelligence agencies should realise the utility of complementing the kinetic efforts with the non-kinetic options in order to tackle the myriad of security challenges confronting Nigeria.

The event featured distinguished security experts, academia, and students engaging in critical discussions on contemporary security strategies.