Nigerian Defence Academy Welcomes 523 New Cadets at 13th Matriculation Ceremony

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has formally welcomed 523 new cadets of the 76 Regular Course at its 13th matriculation ceremony, marking the beginning of their academic and military training.

The ceremony, held on December 16, 2024, at the Academy Auditorium, was attended by high-ranking military officials, dignitaries, and the families of the new cadets. Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, representing the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, congratulated the cadets on this significant milestone.

In her address, the Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of discipline, loyalty, and determination, urging the cadets to commit fully to their training over the next five years. She also praised the NDA for its vital contributions to national security and commended the Commandant, Major General JO Ochai, for the ongoing infrastructural developments and the dedicated efforts of the Academy's personnel.

Major General Ochai welcomed the cadets and their families, urging the new cadets to maintain discipline and focus throughout their training. He noted that they were selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates and are expected to uphold academic excellence and military discipline.

The 76 Regular Course consists of cadets from diverse backgrounds who will undergo a five-year training program across various fields, including Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Military Science. This matriculation ceremony marks the beginning of their path to becoming commissioned officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.