Two Nigerian Army officers have received international recognition following their presentation, 'Revolutionising Military Wargaming in Nigeria’, at the Connections UK 2025 conference.
Colonels Olayinka and Shoda previously attended the Defence Wargaming Design Course and the Defence Wargaming Practitioner Course, delivered collaboratively by the Defence Academy of the UK and the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub, part of the Integrated Warfare Centre (IWC). The courses were hosted at Shrivenham earlier this year and were open to international participants.
Both officers excelled during the training and have since returned to Nigeria to support the development of domestic wargaming capability.
The courses were facilitated by Major Tom Mouat, Officer Commanding the Defence Wargaming, Modelling and Simulation School (DWMSS), part of the Defence College for Military Capability Integration, alongside Graham Longley-Brown and Jeremy Smith from IWC.
Major Mouat said:
"A wargaming design course was introduced at the Defence Academy this year. Col Shoda and Col Olayinka’s performances were exceptional.
“Their insight and clear vision as to what they wanted to achieve through wargaming at the Nigerian Staff College, partnered with a good sense of humour, was an example to both students and staff. They intend to make wargaming an integral part of their staff course, focusing on national and international issues.”
Air-Vice Marshal Simon Strasdin CBE MA, Director IWC added:
"Our partnership with the Defence Academy exemplifies the power of collaboration. By combining operational expertise with academic rigour, we’re not just training individuals; we’re building enduring capabilities that strengthen defence communities worldwide."
The courses combined theoretical instruction with practical wargaming design and delivery, all focused on supporting defence decision-making. Lessons learned by the Nigerian officers directly informed their presentation at Connections UK, held from 9–11 September.
Their talk explored traditional wargaming approaches within Nigeria’s complex operational landscape, shared key insights, and outlined a vision for the future of wargaming in professional military education.
Feedback from international delegates, including US officials, described the presentation as ‘very impressive’.
This engagement highlights the growing value of UK-Nigeria collaboration in defence education, and the potential for further cooperation in developing wargaming capability.
DWMSS provides education for all ranks, at every operational level, on all aspects of wargaming, simulation and modelling. In addition, they provide advice and demonstrations on the use of wargaming to MOD, other government departments and worldwide to other partner governments and agencies.