The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has matriculated 550 cadets of the 77 Regular Course, with a renewed pledge to produce disciplined, intelligent, and well-rounded officers for the country’s armed forces.
The matriculation ceremony, held on Thursday, featured retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim as Guest of Honour. He described the event as a convergence of military professionalism and academic excellence.
“For decades, the NDA has shaped leaders who strengthen national security and contribute to international peacekeeping,” Ibrahim said, noting that the ceremony symbolised the cadets’ acceptance of a noble calling to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He congratulated the new cadets, urging them to embrace the values of discipline, knowledge, and adaptability.
“Discipline is the foundation of military professionalism. Knowledge is essential because today’s military requires innovative thinkers. Adaptability is equally crucial as you confront complex security challenges,” he said.
Ibrahim emphasised that academic pursuits were as important as military drills, stressing that their training would prepare them for responsibilities where “decisions, character, and courage will impact lives.”
He added that successful officers must demonstrate physical strength, mental toughness, academic excellence, moral integrity, leadership capacity, and unwavering discipline.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, commended the cadets for scaling the highly competitive admission process.
“Today marks the beginning of a journey that will define your military career and shape your character, discipline, and commitment to national service,” he said.
Olatoye reminded the cadets that completing their academic programme was mandatory before commissioning into the Nigerian Armed Forces or allied countries’ militaries.
“For over six decades, the NDA has stood as a premier institution producing officers who embody competence, character, and leadership. You are now part of this distinguished tradition,” he noted.
The commandant said the academy was structured to challenge the cadets’ bodies, minds, and spirits, not to break them but to instill resilience.
He warned that the cadets were joining the military at a time Nigeria faced multifaceted security threats, requiring officers who are “intelligent, adaptable, and committed to the highest professional standards.”
While congratulating parents and guardians, Olatoye reminded the cadets that they now carry “the hopes of their families, the trust of the academy, and the expectations of Nigeria and its allies.”
