By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, has witnessed another historic transition as Major General Oluyemi Olatoye formally assumed office as the 34th Commandant of the prestigious military institution. His assumption of duty follows the recent redeployment of senior officers within the Nigerian Army.
The handing and taking over ceremony, held on Monday, 10 November 2025, at the Academy’s Loyalty Hall, marked the official transfer of leadership from the outgoing Commandant, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, who is retiring after 33 years of distinguished service to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
The event featured the traditional lowering and hoisting of flags at the Quarter Guard, symbolizing the seamless transition of authority. It drew dignitaries, senior officers, and members of the academic and military community from within and outside the institution.
In his valedictory remarks, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim described his successor as “a disciplined and thoroughbred Infantry officer with vast experience and exposure,” expressing confidence that Major General Olatoye would lead the Academy to even greater heights.
He thanked the staff and cadets for their loyalty and cooperation throughout his tenure and highlighted notable achievements under his leadership, including infrastructural development, enhanced cadet discipline and regimentation, as well as improved security architecture within the Academy. He also emphasized the transparent and merit-based cadet selection process that produced the 77 Regular Course, which he said would continue to yield competent junior commanders for the Armed Forces.
The retiring Commandant expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd); and the current Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, for the opportunity to serve. He urged officers, staff, and cadets to accord his successor the same loyalty and commitment.
In his inaugural address, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye expressed deep appreciation to God and the military hierarchy for the confidence reposed in him, describing his new role as “a privilege to lead the institution that shaped my military career and personal values.”
He extended special appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Academy, and paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, whom he described as “a visionary leader and mentor whose legacy of discipline, excellence, and integrity will endure.”
Reaffirming his commitment to uphold and build upon the Academy’s tradition of excellence, Major General Olatoye pledged to maintain high standards of discipline, academic distinction, and military professionalism.
“My duty is clear—to add value to the existing structure and legacy. The Academy’s standards must not drop. Together, by God’s grace, we will ensure that excellence remains the hallmark of the Nigerian Defence Academy,” he declared.
Citing the words of former Australian Army Chief, Lieutenant General David Morrison (rtd) — “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept” — he reiterated his determination to sustain the NDA’s reputation as a centre of excellence for officer training in Nigeria and allied nations.
He called for teamwork and unity of purpose among officers, instructors, and cadets, stressing that “the success of this Academy depends on our collective effort. I count on your loyalty, advice, and cooperation as we take the NDA to greater heights.”
In a mark of respect, he assured his predecessor that his experience and wisdom would continue to guide the Academy, saying, “You are only stepping aside, not away. Your wealth of experience remains invaluable to us.”
Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, a member of the 41 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, is an accomplished Infantry officer with extensive operational and administrative experience. Before his appointment, he served as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu; and Commander, Joint Task Force (South East), Operation UDO KA.
With his wealth of experience, strategic insight, and leadership acumen, Major General Olatoye is expected to bring renewed drive, innovation, and professionalism to the Academy’s mission of producing highly disciplined, intellectually sound, and combat-ready officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
admin