The Nigerian Defence Academy has yet again marked another milestone with the formal matriculation of Four Hundred and Sixty – Six (466) cadets of 67 Regular Course into various undergraduate programmes at the prestigious Academy.


At the event, which is the 4th matriculation ceremony in the NDA, 15 females and 452 male cadets of 67 RC were administered the Matriculation Oath and subsequently signed their oaths to formally usher them into their degree programmes. Of the total number of 466 matriculating cadets, One Hundred and Twenty - Nine (129) cadets were matriculated into the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Faculty of Engineering (FOE) had Two Hundred and Three (203) cadets, while the Faculty of Sciences got a total of One Hundred and Thirty Four (134) matriculating cadets. Going by course composition by the Arm of Service, the Army has a total of 232 cadets, 132 are Naval cadets, while 120 are Air Force cadets.


The Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Maj Gen MT Ibrahim, while congratulating the cadets on their matriculation, informed guests that NDA is undergoing vital changes and reforms both in the military and academic component of the cadets’ training. The aim, he noted, was to better develop their character and improve their readiness to swiftly meet the expectations of the country when they eventually become officers. He stressed the fact that the bar will not be lowered for anyone, urging the cadets to distinguish themselves in character and academic excellence because they will be the benchmark for the ongoing reforms in NDA.


While stressing the fact that there will be no room for indolence and brutality, Major General MT Ibrahim urged the cadets to be disciplined and courageous, in addition to taking their training seriously, considering the fact that the battlefield is for those whose survival will not come cheap. Team spirit, he further noted, is paramount. He therefore urged them to think beyond their tribe and to eschew all forms of religious bigotry. But rather, they should be patriotic and serve their country with great pride and delight.


The Guest of Speaker at the event, Major General AA Mshelbwala, presented a lecture on Nigeria Defence Academy and National Interest. He reminded the cadets of the nature of the journey they are about to undertake, adding that it’s the best sacrifice they can render to their country. NDA, he pointed out was established to produce officer and future leaders for the armed forces, which he said is critical to the survival of the nation.  Making of a nation he said is a collective responsibility and all citizens are expected to exercise their loyalty. Any act other than that will be seen as treasonable, particularly when it relates the preservation of national and territorial integrity.


Speaking earlier at the event, the Academy Provost Prof AS Nwonkwo pointed out that cadets are the linchpin and live wire of the Academy who are future leaders. He further stated that a well trained military is what any nation can hope for, adding that it helps to maintain national identity. NDA, he said, is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring cadets are excellently packaged and well trained for the country. While congratulating the cadets for securing a place in NDA, he rearticulated the need for the cadets to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the duration of their training, while urging them to always keep sight of what brought them to the Academy.


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