Nigeria Defence Academy 76/77 Regular Course.

78 REGULAR COURSE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS INTO ACADEMIC
DEPARTMENTS OF THE NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY KADUNA 2026/2027 SESSION

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO THE
NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY 78 REGULAR COURSE IS STILL OPEN.

2025 World Cancer Day: NDA Takes Action Against Cancer.

In celebration of World Cancer Day 2025, themed "United to Unique," the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) organized an impactful seminar aimed at raising awareness and combating cancer. Held on February 4,2025. the event gathered medical experts, researchers, and policymakers at the Academy Auditorium for a deep dive into cancer prevention and management.

Major General JO Ochai, Commandant of the NDA, stressed the crucial importance of cancer awareness and the power of early detection in saving lives. “Cancer is a significant public health issue globally. Early detection and timely treatment can save lives and alleviate the economic burden on families," he emphasized.

The seminar featured a keynote lecture by Major (Dr) Salisu Muhammad, Head of Pathology at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna, who outlined cancer's impact as a leading cause of mortality worldwide. He highlighted vital prevention strategies, including:

- Primary Prevention: Healthy diet, regular exercise, vaccinations, and routine screenings.

-Secondary Prevention: Early diagnosis through screening programs.

-Tertiary Prevention: Reducing complications through early detection and supportive care.

An interactive Question & Answer session moderated by Dr Suleiman Zibiri, Chief Clinician at NDA Hospital, allowed attendees to engage directly with experts.

Colonel OO Ojo, Commander of NDA Hospital, expressed gratitude for Major General Ochai's support and praised Major (Dr) Muhammad for his enlightening presentation.

In addition to the seminar, NDA also provided free cancer screenings for prostate and cervical cancer, reinforcing its commitment to health and wellness.

Through this initiative, the NDA is proud to stand united in the global fight against cancer, promoting awareness and encouraging early detection. Together, we can make a difference. The Senisitization lectures had in attendance, Academy Provost, Principal Staff Off

CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF COMMISSIONS WORLD-CLASS EMERGENCY AND TRAUMA CENTER ALONG WITH MULTIPLE PROJECTS AT NDA

In a ceremony described as unprecedented in the history of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General CG Musa commissioned multiple projects within the NDA4 on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Among the completed projects, under the leadership of NDA Commandant Major General JO Ochai, are 21 operational vehicles for various functions—ranging from buses and an ambulance to gun trucks, troop carriers, and Toyota Hilux trucks. Further developments include a children's park and sports center at the NDA Primary School in Afaka, as well as an ultramodern Emergency and Trauma Centre at the NDA Hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment for trauma care.

Additional projects comprise the NDA Basic Officers Training Wing, which houses battalion offices and 50-room hostels, along with new departmental buildings for the Department of Defense and Security Studies, the Department of Psychology, and a block of classrooms and offices.

The CDS also visited the NDA Officers' Mess and Golf Club, where he inaugurated Hole 1 of the club and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for 39 studios and suites at the Officers' Mess, commemorating members of the 39 Regular Course. To honor his contributions, he also commissioned the General CG Musa Orchard.

Expressing his satisfaction with these transformative projects, the CDS commended Major General JO Ochai for his visionary leadership, which has brought multiple initiatives to fruition, positively impacting training, welfare, and healthcare.

"Today marks a historic milestone in the academy’s industrious journey as the premier institution for military leadership, generalship, and character development. These facilities—spanning training, medical, administrative, and recreational amenities—are essential pillars of excellence, empowering the Academy to fulfill its mandate of producing officers of the highest caliber and quality," he stated.

General Musa emphasized that these projects are crucial for enabling the NDA's vision to develop a robust, innovative, and adaptive military force. He also underscored the Academy's commitment to providing its cadets with the best possible facilities and resources for training.

According to General Musa, the NDA symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to defense and security, embodying national values of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. "It is here that leaders are nurtured, trained, and equipped with the intellect and truth needed to defend the integrity and sovereignty of our nation. The investments in the NDA are fundamentally aimed at ensuring stability, security, unity, and prosperity for our dear nation," he concluded.

During the day's events, Major General JO Ochai remarked that the commissioned projects are designed to enhance the environment and provide a conducive atmosphere for both staff and cadets to excel, serving as motivation for them to perform at their best. He stated, "In a changing world, we must embrace change. Modern warfare is evolving, and therefore, the training of cadets must adapt to meet the demands of the modern battlefield."

As the academy community gathered to witness the significant commissioning of these completed projects, the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, also participated in the day's activities. She commissioned the recently established NDA Boarding Secondary School, a brainchild of Major General JO Ochai. Additionally, Mrs. Musa performed the groundbreaking ceremonies for the NDA Skills Acquisition Centre, the NDA Officers Wives Association (NDAOWA) Secretariat, and the NDA Maternity Centre, a project initiated by members of the NDA Regular Course 38.

The day's events reflect the visionary and transformative leadership of NDA's current Commandant, Major General JO Ochai. Since taking over command, he has initiated a plan that has expanded the NDA both in infrastructure and capacity.

Highlights of the event included presentations of souvenirs, as well as musical renditions by the NDA dance band and the Nigerian Air Force band.

Dalet Battalion Emerges Victorious at NDA Inter-Battalion Cross Country Competition

Kaduna, Nigeria - December 19, 2024

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has concluded its Inter-Battalion Cross Country Competition, with Dalet Battalion emerging as the overall winner. The competition, which took place on December 19, 2024, at the NDA Afaka campus, saw four battalions - Dalet, Burma, Abyssinia, and Mogadishu - compete in a 14.3km cross-country race.

Dalet Battalion secured the top spot with a total of 4,336 points, followed closely by Burma Battalion with 4,205 points. Abyssinia Battalion came third with 4,204 points, while Mogadishu Battalion placed fourth with 4,069 points.

Notably, marathon runners from the Nigerian Army Physical Training Corps also participated in the event, demonstrating their endurance and physical fitness.

The competition aimed to enhance the endurance, physical fitness, and mental agility of officer cadets. Air Vice Marshal HI Alhaji, Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College Nigeria (AFCSC), emphasized the importance of testing leadership skills, building confidence, and endurance among cadets.

Major General JO Ochai, Commandant NDA, commended the participants and congratulated Dalet Battalion on their victory. He also thanked Air Vice Marshal Alhaji for honoring the invitation.

The event featured a special appearance by Lieutenant (NN) Maigari, the first female Nigerian Navy pilot, who served as an inspiration to the cadets.

The event featured a Victory Lap by Dalet Battalion, with both the Commandant NDA and the Commandant AFCSC joining the cadets to celebrate their win. Trophies, medals, and cash prizes were also presented to deserving cadets and soldiers.

NDA 13th Matriculation Ceremony: A New Chapter Unfolds for 495 Cadets

On December 16, 2024, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) welcomed 495 cadets of the 76 Regular Course at its 13th matriculation ceremony. The event marked the formal beginning of their academic and military training.

Held at the Academy Auditorium, the ceremony was attended by high-ranking military officials, dignitaries, and the families of the new cadets. Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, representing the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, congratulated the cadets on this significant milestone.

In her address, the Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of discipline, loyalty, and determination, urging the cadets to commit fully to their training over the next five years. She also praised the NDA for its vital contributions to national security and commended the Commandant, Major General JO Ochai, for the ongoing infrastructural developments and the dedicated efforts of the Academy's personnel.

Major General Ochai welcomed the cadets and their families, urging the new cadets to maintain discipline and focus throughout their training. He noted that they were selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates and are expected to uphold academic excellence and military discipline.

Earlier in the day, the cadets participated in an Oath Taking Ceremony at the Oliver Nzalgana Parade Ground, committing to uphold military and civilian laws and the regulations of the NDA. Brigadier General OI Odigie, the Cadet Brigade Commander, encouraged the cadets to embody values such as discipline, courage, and loyalty as they embark on their academy journey.

The 76 Regular Course consists of cadets from diverse backgrounds who will undergo a five-year training program across various fields, including Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Military Science. This matriculation ceremony marks the beginning of their path to becoming commissioned officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Nigerian Defence Academy Celebrates Historic Graduation at Sandhurst

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is proud to announce the graduation of Cadet S Galadima (71RC) from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the NDA's commitment to producing exceptional military leaders.

On December 13, 2024, a delegation from the NDA led by the Deputy Commandant AVM A Abdulkadir attended the Passing Out Parade (POP) and Commissioning ceremony of Sandhurst Course 241 At the event, Officer Cadet Galadima was among the 168 cadets who successfully completed their training.

In his address, General Patrick Sanders, representing King Charles, congratulated the graduating cadets and reminded them of the challenges they will face in an increasingly unstable world. He emphasized the importance of preparing for all possible scenarios and charged the international cadets to make a positive impact in their respective armed forces.

The NDA team also met with the Commandant of the RMAS, Major General Nick Cowley, and extended compliments and goodwill from the NDA Commandant. The host expressed his appreciation for the NDA's delegation and looked forward to learning more about the NDA through the Valiant Magazine.

Cadet Galadima's instructors praised his exceptional qualities, including brilliance, discipline, courage, and dedication. They expressed confidence that he will excel in his chosen career and make a valuable contribution to the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The NDA's participation in the graduation ceremony underscores its commitment to fostering international cooperation and collaboration in military education and training. The academy looks forward to continuing its partnership with the RMAS and other prestigious military institutions around the world.

Nigerian Defence Academy Cadets Make History at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines United Kingdom

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has achieved a remarkable milestone as two of its cadets, 2Lt TT Eze and 2Lt I Suleiman, successfully completed the prestigious Commando Training Centre Royal Marines program in Lympstone, United Kingdom. This achievement marks a significant first for the Nigerian Army (NA), as these officers are the first to successfully complete this rigorous training program.

The Commandant of the NDA, Major General John Ochai, attended the passing out parade, where the cadets were granted commission into the NA.
This accomplishment is a testament to the exceptional training and dedication of the NDA cadets, as well as the institution's commitment to excellence.

The Commando Training Centre Royal Marines is renowned for its challenging and demanding training programs, which push candidates to their limits. The fact that 2Lt Eze and 2Lt Suleiman have successfully completed this training is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating their exceptional physical and mental toughness.

As pioneers, these two officers will play a crucial role in building the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces in Special and Joint Operations. Their successful completion of the commando training program will undoubtedly inspire future generations of NDA cadets and contribute to the enhancement of Nigeria's defence capabilities.

Major General Ochai also interacted with the Commandant of the Centre, Colonel GA Atherton, as well as the Commander General of the Royal Marines, General Gwyn Jenkins. The event was also attended by Brigadier General MHB Manu, the Nigerian Defence Adviser in the UK, Brigadier General OA Awolo, the Director of Military Training at NDA, and Lieutenant Colonel LM Yahaya, the Commanding Officer of the Mogadishu Battalion. The families of the two newly commissioned officers were also present to celebrate this momentous occasion.

This achievement is a testament to the NDA's commitment to producing highly trained and skilled officers, capable of excelling in the most demanding environments. As the NDA continues to uphold its motto of "Loyalty and Valour," it is clear that the future of Nigeria's defence is in capable hands.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO THE
NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY 77 REGULAR COURSE IS OUT OFFICIALLY.