Kaduna:Vice-President Kashim Shettima has praised the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for its role in developing highly trained military officers capable of addressing emerging security challenges. He conveyed this commendation through the Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, at the NDA’s 36th Convocation Ceremony in Kaduna.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ceremony marked the graduation of cadets from the 73 Regular Course, postgraduate students, and the awarding of honorary degrees to distinguished individuals. The vice-president emphasized the Federal Government’s pride in the academy’s consistent contribution to nurturing military officers who meet global professional standards, benefiting both the Nigerian Armed Forces and allied African countries.
Shettima highlighted the academy’s evolution since becoming a degree-awarding institution in 1985, noting its impact on enhancing the intellectual and professional capabilities of military personnel. He emphasized the expansion of academic faculties, research initiatives, postgraduate programs, and technology-driven military training, which have improved the academy’s ability to tackle contemporary warfare challenges.
The vice-president also acknowledged the academy’s research contributions to military advancements, such as precision-guided munitions and remotely operated weapon systems. These innovations, he noted, align with the government’s comprehensive approach to improving military safety and effectiveness.
Shettima discussed the administration’s educational reforms, including the National Education Loan Fund (NELFund), which has provided over N116 billion in financial aid to students in higher education. He also mentioned reforms in basic education aimed at reducing subject overload and dropouts, while equipping students with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills.
Addressing the graduating cadets, Shettima urged them to use their NDA-acquired knowledge and skills with professionalism, loyalty, and respect for the law. He also encouraged postgraduate students to apply their expertise and research in creating innovative solutions for Nigeria’s developmental and security challenges.
Earlier, NDA Commandant Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye affirmed the academy’s dedication to producing well-rounded officers through the integration of military professionalism and academic excellence. He noted the academy’s alignment with global best practices and its focus on contemporary military requirements.
Olatoye detailed the academy’s emphasis on training in critical fields such as STEM, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. He highlighted the use of advanced training tools, including simulation technologies and cyber warfare concepts, and noted the cadets’ exposure to modern military platforms.
The commandant disclosed the graduation of 441 cadets with bachelor’s degrees, including an allied cadet from the Republic of Congo, and 3,066 postgraduate students with various diplomas and degrees. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and other supporters for their contributions to the academy’s success, urging the graduates to uphold values of honour, courage, competence, loyalty, and integrity in their future service.