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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Full List Of Military Academies In Nigeria (2025 Official Guide)
If you're one of the bold Nigerians dreaming of wearing a military uniform, saluting the flag, and serving your country with pride, your journey starts with military training—and that means enrolling in one of Nigeria’s top military academies.
Whether your interest lies in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, Nigeria has reputable military institutions offering rigorous academic and combat training to groom the next generation of officers. This 2025 guide covers all recognized military academies in Nigeria, their roles, training formats, and how to gain admission.
What Is a Military Academy?
A military academy is a specialized institution where cadets are trained for service in the Nigerian Armed Forces. These academies offer both academic education and military training, equipping candidates with leadership, discipline, and defense skills.
Full List of Military Academies in Nigeria (2025)
Here’s a complete table highlighting officially recognized military academies in Nigeria, their primary branches, and key details:
| Name of Academy | Branch of Armed Forces | Location | Training Offered |
| Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) | Army, Navy, Air Force (Tri-Service) | Kaduna | 5 years (Bachelor's + Military) |
| Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) | Nigerian Army | Biu, Borno State | 4–5 years (B.Sc + Military Discipline) |
| Nigerian Army College of Education (NACOE) | Nigerian Army | Ilorin, Kwara State | NCE + Army Training |
| Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) | Nigerian Air Force | Kaduna | ND, HND, B.Sc, M.Sc, Engineering & Tech Programs |
| Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology | Nigerian Navy | Kachia, Kaduna | Weapons, Ballistics, Naval Engineering |
| Nigerian Naval College (NNC) | Nigerian Navy | Onne, Rivers State | Officer Cadet Training |
| Nigerian Air Force Military School (NAFMS) | Nigerian Air Force | Jos, Plateau State | Secondary School + Military |
| Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) | Nigerian Army | Jaji, Kaduna State | Tactical & Combat Training |
| Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA) | Nigerian Army | Kachia, Kaduna | Artillery-specific Training |
| Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) | Nigerian Army | Makurdi, Benue | Civil/Combat Engineering |
| Depot Nigerian Army (DNA) | Nigerian Army | Zaria, Kaduna | Basic Training for Soldiers |
| Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) | Tri-Service (Mid-Level Officers) | Jaji, Kaduna | Staff Officer Training |
| National Defence College (NDC) | Tri-Service (Senior Officers) | Abuja | Strategic Defence Studies |
Top 3 Most Popular Military Academies in Nigeria
1. Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna
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Most prestigious military academy in West Africa.
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Offers full university education (BSc/BEng/BA) alongside military training.
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Open to candidates for Army, Navy, and Air Force commissions.
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Admission via JAMB + Post-UTME + Physical Screening.
2. Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna
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Engineering and technical education for Air Force cadets and civilians.
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Offers ND, HND, BSc, and MSc programs.
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Known for its aviation and aerospace specialization.
3. Nigerian Navy College, Onne
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Trains future naval officers and specialists.
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Includes seafaring, navigation, and naval combat training.
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Cadets graduate as midshipmen and go on to full officer commissioning.
Entry Requirements for Nigerian Military Academies
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | 17–22 for most undergraduate programs (NDA, NNC), 18+ for professional courses |
| Academic Qualification | Minimum of 5 credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB including English and Mathematics |
| Physical Fitness | Must pass medical and physical endurance tests |
| Height | Minimum of 1.68m (male), 1.65m (female) depending on academy |
| Nationality | Nigerian citizen by birth |
| Admission | Via JAMB for NDA, AFIT, NAUB; Direct recruitment for others |
Training Duration
| Institution | Training Length |
| NDA (Undergraduate) | 5 years (incl. 1 year military, 4 years academics) |
| AFIT (ND/HND/BSc) | 2–5 years |
| NAFMS (Secondary) | 6 years |
| Nigerian Naval College | 9–12 months |
| Depot NA | 6–9 months |
| NASME / NASI / NASA | Varies (Short Courses 3–6 months, Long Courses 1 year+) |
FAQs About Military Academies in Nigeria (2025)
Q1: Which military academy in Nigeria is the best?
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is considered the most prestigious and competitive.
Q2: Can I apply to more than one military academy?
Yes, but most require separate applications, and some may have overlapping exams or screenings.
Q3: Does NDA pay salary during training?
No salary, but cadets receive a monthly stipend and full sponsorship throughout their training.
Q4: Can civilians apply to AFIT or NAUB?
Yes. Both schools admit both military personnel and civilians for academic degrees.
Q5: What is the retirement age after attending a military academy?
Military officers usually serve for up to 35 years or until age 60, whichever comes first.
Conclusion: A Noble Path Awaits
Choosing to attend a military academy in Nigeria is not just about getting a degree—it’s about choosing a life of service, honor, and national pride.
From the combat-heavy halls of the NDA to the technical classrooms of AFIT, these institutions shape the men and women who protect our skies, seas, and borders.
If you’re passionate about defending your nation and ready to embrace discipline and sacrifice, then these academies are your first step into a purposeful and prestigious career.