By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has held its 2025 Annual Convocation Ceremony in honour of the 72 Regular Course Cadets and postgraduate students. The event, which marked the 35th in the series, took place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the institution’s permanent site in Afaka, Kaduna State.
According to an official statement signed by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, was the Special Guest of Honour. The Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, GCON.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the Academy, Major General A. K. Ibrahim, noted that all academic programmes offered by the NDA are fully accredited by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC). He explained that the management’s emphasis on capacity building, discipline, optimum performance, and skills development had enabled many cadets to excel in their academic pursuits and assignments, including those undertaken in foreign missions.
The colourful convocation ceremony featured the conferment of degrees, presentation of certificates and academic prizes, admission of postgraduate graduands into the NDA Alumni, and the award of honorary degrees to eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the service of humanity.
Graduates were drawn from several categories, including Cadet Officers, Postgraduate Diploma students, Masters Degree recipients, and holders of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in various disciplines and faculties. Academic prizes were presented to the best graduating cadets, with awards going to those who attained not less than Second Class Upper Division in their fields. The Honourable Minister of Defence’s Award for the best graduating cadet in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology was won by Cadet G. A. Olowokere.
In total, 2,618 students graduated during this year’s 35th convocation ceremony.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Sunday Musa Attah, also attended the occasion alongside other dignitaries from within and outside the armed forces.
