By Shindong Bala
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, has commissioned 967 cadet officers of the 73 Regular Course and other military training programmes for service in the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the Federal Government remained committed to integrating technology into military training and research through strategic partnerships with leading military academies worldwide.
The President said the NDA had continued to adapt its curriculum to contemporary security challenges by combining military training with academic and character development, including enhanced counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training.
He disclosed that NDA cadets are currently undergoing military training in the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil and France, while the Academy has gained international recognition through cadet participation in military exercises and competitions in the United States, Brazil and China.
President Tinubu said the Academy’s role as a regional centre for military education had strengthened Nigeria’s military diplomacy, with cadets from several African countries receiving training at the institution.
He also highlighted innovations developed by the NDA Centre for Innovation and Creativity, including precision-guided munitions, remotely operated weapon systems and multipurpose mobile robots.
According to him, the innovations are aimed at improving operational effectiveness and reducing risks to military personnel.
The President charged the Academy to deepen collaboration with defence industries, academic institutions and other military training establishments to prepare officers for the complexities of modern warfare.
He urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold the Constitution and protect the lives, property and economic interests of Nigerians, while maintaining discipline, honour, professionalism and selfless service.
The ceremony featured the presentation of the champion battalion banner, a cadet march-past and awards to outstanding cadets in eight categories, including the Sword of Honour, gold medals, merit awards and allied cadet awards.
Mogadishu Battalion emerged as the champion after recording its first victory, following two consecutive years at the bottom of the competition.
The commissioning marked the culmination of rigorous military, academic and professional training designed to prepare the officers for service in the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
