By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) has held its 35th Convocation Ceremony, graduating a total of 2,618 cadets and postgraduate students. The event, which took place on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at the Academy’s permanent site in Afaka, Kaduna State, was in honour of cadets of the 72 Regular Course and other postgraduate graduands.
According to a statement issued by the Academy’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, served as the Special Guest of Honour. The Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, GCON.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of NDA, Major General A.K. Ibrahim, reaffirmed that all academic programmes of the institution are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). He noted that the Academy’s commitment to discipline, capacity building, skill development and performance excellence has consistently enabled cadets to excel in their academic pursuits and in foreign missions.
The convocation ceremony featured the conferment of degrees, presentation of certificates and academic prizes, as well as the admission of postgraduate graduands into the NDA Alumni Association. Honorary degrees were also awarded to eminent Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to humanity.
Graduands comprised cadet officers, postgraduate diploma holders, master’s degree recipients, and doctors of philosophy (Ph.D.) across various disciplines and faculties. Academic awards were presented to the best graduating cadets with not less than a Second Class Upper Division. Notably, the Honourable Minister of Defence Award for the best graduating cadet in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology went to CDT G.A. Olowokere.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Sunday Musa Attah, alongside several senior government officials, members of the Armed Forces, and members of the academic community.
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