The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) yesterday (Monday, December 16) matriculated 523 cadets of its 76 regular course in Kaduna.
The event, 13th matriculation of the institution, featured oath taking by the cadets to mark their formal induction into their respective academic programmes.
Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, urged the cadets to be serious with their academic and military training, which are complementary to each other.
Ochai said the cadets would undergo five-year training with the academic programme ending after the fourth year, describing the 76th regular course induction as profound.
Explaining that the cadets were beginning their academic career at a time of reform in both academic and military training with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and change in technology, the NDA Commandant said:
“The cadets will have a privilege of undergoing academic and military programmes that would empower them to confront challenges that are facing not just the armed forces, but the nation in general in the future.”
He warned them against indiscipline and activities that would portray the academy and the military in bad light.
He thanked the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, for his support to the institution.
In his address, the Governor said the 21st-century warfare and military operations required innovative and creative minds founded on intellectual and technical skills.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Sani said the NDA has kept up to standard in producing officers that are capable locally, and internationally, adding that 21st Century warfare demands critical thinking.
“Today officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are graduates. It is remarkable that the force now recognises the value of university education,” he said, assuring that the Kaduna State government has a big agenda for security, including good collaboration with the military and all the security agencies to ensure peace and secure Kaduna state.
“People are now able to sleep peacefully and go about their normal lives courtesy of the collaboration and cooperation by the citizens who provide useful information for security purposes,” he said.
NAN reports that Sani urged the cadets to be focused, disciplined, brave, courageous, hardworking, patient, persevering, determined and loyal to constituted authorities, warning that the temptation to abandon their training is always high, especially in the first year as they grapple with a new environment, but that they must persevere.
