The Nigerian Navy on Monday held a graduation lecture at the Nigerian Naval College, Ebubu, for cadets of the Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29 and Special Duty Pre-Commissioning Training (SDPCT) 24, as part of activities marking their upcoming Passing Out Parade.

A total of 264 cadets—115 from DSSC 29 and 149 from SDPCT 24—completed the intensive training programmes.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Mentoring Future Leaders in the Nigerian Navy: Cultivating a Culture of Guidance and Support,” Rear Admiral Monday Unurhiere, Chief of Naval Transformation at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, called on the graduating cadets to embrace mentorship as a core leadership principle.

Unurhiere described mentorship as a voluntary, trust-based relationship crucial for nurturing ethical, empathetic, and effective military leaders.

“Mentors teach, provide learning opportunities, and are never threatened by the success of their mentees,” he said, urging the cadets to lead with humility, affirm others, and build circles of trust.

He warned against leadership pitfalls such as excessive bureaucracy, intolerance, and authoritarianism, noting that leaders must be open to feedback and alternative perspectives —including from junior personnel through reverse mentoring.

He noted that mentorship programs within the military are faltering due to systemic challenges and leadership shortcomings, and charged Officers to actively seek mentors, remain open to feedback, build trust, and be dependable.

An interactive session followed the lecture, allowing cadets to engage directly with the guest speaker.

Also addressing the cadets, Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara, Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, reinforced the call for ethical leadership, urging them to lead by example, treat personnel with dignity, and maintain professional competence.

Rear Admiral Haruna Zego, Commandant Nigerian Naval College, commended the cadets for completing the course and reminded them to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian Navy, noting that the event is part of a series commemorating the conclusion of training.

Cadets expressed happiness upon completing the course. Jummai Bitrus said she was happy to have completed the course and vowed to lead by example. Benedict Udofia pledged to be a good mentor.

The event was attended by Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters Naval Training Command, Very Senior Officers, Esteemed Officers and Rating Instructors, guests amongst others.