The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) recently celebrated the matriculation of 441 cadets into its 75th Regular Course, marked by a solemn oath-taking ceremony that officially initiated them into their respective academic pursuits.
Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, the commandant of the academy, revealed that amid a staggering 30,000 applicants, only 441 cadets, including one from The Gambia, successfully secured admission.
Ochai provided insights into the distribution of these cadets across various faculties: 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.
During the event, the commandant urged the cadets to maintain discipline throughout their training, emphasizing the academy’s mission to equip them for national defense and the professional execution of constitutional duties.
Ochai underscored the significance of adherence to the fundamental rules and regulations governing their training, stating, “Adherence to the fundamental rules and regulations governing your training here is paramount.”
He also highlighted the academy’s remarkable evolution, attributing its growth to a focus on intellectualism and innovation.
“From its humble beginnings with two faculties and six departments, the academy has now expanded to encompass five faculties and 23 departments.
Collaborations with esteemed institutions, both local and international, underscore the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual exchange,” he explained.