The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has officially matriculated 441 cadets into its 75th regular course in Kaduna. The cadets were sworn into their academic programs, marking the beginning of their rigorous training at the esteemed institution.
Maj. Gen. John Ochai, the Commandant of the Academy, revealed that only 441 cadets, out of a staggering 30,000 applicants, successfully secured admission into the NDA. Notably, one cadet from The Gambia was among the fortunate few.
The distribution of cadets across different faculties is as follows: 138 in Arts and Social Sciences, 118 in Science, 37 in Engineering and Technology, 55 in Management Sciences, and 91 in Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Maj. Gen. Ochai urged the newly matriculated cadets to uphold discipline and embrace the Academy’s training, emphasizing its crucial role in preparing them for national defense and the professional execution of constitutional duties.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of adherence to the institution’s rules and regulations, the Commandant highlighted the remarkable growth of the Academy. He traced its evolution from humble beginnings with two faculties and six departments to its current state, encompassing five faculties and 23 departments.
“The expansion of the Academy and its increasing recognition on the global stage reflect our unwavering commitment to intellectualism and innovation,” Maj. Gen. Ochai stated. He further emphasized the institution’s collaborations with renowned local and international institutions, underscoring its dedication to academic excellence and intellectual exchange.
Furthermore, he emphasised the Academy’s transformation into a globally acclaimed military institution and affirmed its continuous efforts to meet international standards in alignment with constitutional mandates.
The NDA’s matriculation ceremony not only marks the beginning of a new academic journey for the cadets but also stands as a testament to their commitment to national service and the pursuit of academic excellence.
