The Nigerian Defence Academy, on Thursday matriculated 453 cadets of its 75 regular course in Kaduna.
The event which was the 10th matriculation of the institution featured an oat taking by the cadets to mark their formal induction into their respective academic programmes.
In his opening remarks, the Commandant of the Academy, Major General John Ochai, noted that out of a staggering 30,000 applicants, only 441 cadets, including one from The Gambia, secured admission.
Detailing the distribution of cadets across various faculties which, Ochai said this include 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.
While instilling a sense of responsibility, the Commandant encouraged the cadets to uphold discipline throughout their training, stressing that the Academy’s training aimed to equip them for national defense and to discharge constitutional duties professionally.
He said, “Adherence to the fundamental rules and regulations governing your training here is paramount,” he stressed.
General Ochai equally explained the Academy’s evolution, attributing its growth to an emphasis 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.”
On the Academy’s transformation into a globally recognised military institution, General Ochai affirmed ongoing efforts to ensure it meets international standards in alignment with constitutional mandates.
