The Executive Director, Nigeria Army Resource Centre, Major General Ibrahim M. Yusuf has credited his success in the military to the study of history.

He made the assertion while speaking with CEOAfrica media team who paid him a visit in his office in Abuja recently.

He said, "History has provided me with the foundation for a successful military career. Like you know, history studies the past, relates it with the present and you are able to make a rough guess as to what the future may hold.

"So as a military officer, the study of history provided us with creative thinking, analytical mind to be able to analyze issues that affect our day to day operations and more importantly, the history department in Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) focuses a lot on war studies so we are able to study campaign that will identify the lessons on why they failed, why they succeeded and when it comes to planning our own operations we bring these experiences to bear", he added.

He further expressed his joy at the success of the history class of 1990 of the NDA stating that they have gone on to have outstanding professional careers.

Speaking on the forthcoming Historical Society of Nigeria ( HSN) to be hosted by the NDA from 7th to 11th October, Maj Gen. Yusuf expressed his delight that the NDA was given the opportunity to host this year';s conference.

"I am delighted and pleased that the HSN has considered NDA worthy to host this conference. Like you know the degree program in the NDA commenced since 1985 and history department was one of the pioneer departments. Since 1985 to date to say that we have not had the opportunity to host this society is worrisome. So having them coming to hold their annual meeting at the NDA is fulling for me and indeed all the graduates of History department, Nigerian Defence Academy", he noted.

He further opined that historians, academia and other stakeholders should expect a very impressive attendance at this year';s Conference as all concerned are looking forward to it.

"Hosting the conference will open opportunities in the area of collaborative research between the military and the academia. The aspect of theory-practice gap can be bridged especially on topical issues such as insurgency and terrorism, because we can bring to bear our experiences from the field. So I believe this will be opening the channel for collaborative research between the military and the academia", he stated.

He also reserved praise for the NDA whom he noted have excelled, contributed and will continue to contribute her quota to the service of the country.