NDA holds 35th convocation, graduates over 2,600 cadets, postgraduate students
The Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), the nation’s premier military university, has graduated more than 2,600 cadets and postgraduate students at its 35th convocation ceremony held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the institution’s permanent site in Afaka, Kaduna State.
The event, which brought together top government and military officials, was held in honour of cadets from the 72 Regular Course and postgraduate students across various academic disciplines.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended the Academy for its consistent role in producing disciplined, skilled, and patriotic leaders for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He urged the new graduates to uphold integrity, professionalism, and excellence as they transition into active service and leadership roles.
Representing the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening the NDA as a centre of excellence for military training and academic research.
In his address, the Commandant of the Academy, Major General A.K. Ibrahim, disclosed that all NDA academic programmes are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He highlighted that the institution’s focus on discipline, skills development, and capacity building has enabled its cadets to excel, not only locally but also in foreign missions.
The ceremony featured the conferment of degrees, award of certificates, academic prizes, and the admission of postgraduate graduands into the NDA Alumni Association.
A total of 2,618 graduates were honoured this year, cutting across four categories: officer cadets, postgraduate diploma students, master’s degree students, and doctoral candidates (Ph.D.).
Awards were presented to outstanding cadets, including the Honourable Minister of Defence Award, which went to Cadet G.A. Olowokere, the best graduating student in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
The Academy also conferred honorary degrees on eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves through service to humanity.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Sunday Musa Attah, alongside senior military officers, academics, and families of the graduands.
The NDA, established in 1964, continues to serve as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s military education and training, equipping officers and scholars with the skills needed to serve both in combat and intellectual spheres.
