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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Nigerian Defence Academy (Nda) 2025 Review: Courses, Facilities, Admission Requirements & Notable Achievements
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), located in Kaduna’s Afaka district, is Nigeria’s premier military university founded in 1964. Blending rigorous academic training with military discipline, NDA produces commissioned officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In 2025, the academy continues to deliver top-tier education alongside advanced military training.
Accredited Faculties & Programs (2025)
NDA offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across five faculties, along with a School of Postgraduate Studies:
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Arts & Social Sciences: Political Science & Defence Studies, History & War Studies, English, French, Geography, Psychology
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Engineering & Technology: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronics, Mechatronics Engineering
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Science: Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science
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Military Science & Interdisciplinary Studies: Cyber Security, Intelligence & Security Studies, Military Science
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Management Sciences: Accounting, Economics, Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Postgraduate options include MSc, MEng, PhD, and PGD in specialized defence, technology, and strategic fields.
Campus Facilities
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Military Training Grounds: Obstacle courses, parade fields, shooting ranges, counter-insurgency training zones
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Lecture Halls & Labs: High-tech science and engineering labs, cyber simulation centers, smart classrooms
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ICT & E-Library: High-speed internet access with academic journals and archives
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Cadet Accommodation & Mess: Hostels for male/female cadets, central dining facility, medical support
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Sports & Fitness: NDA Stadium, swimming pools, martial arts & fitness centers
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Support Services: Emerging NDA Teaching Hospital, counseling, and leadership centers
Admission Requirements – 77th Regular Course (2025 Entry)
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Nigerian by birth |
| Age | 17–21 years by August 2025; ≤19.5 joining age |
| O’Level Results | Five credits in ≤2 sittings including English & Mathematics |
| UTME Cut-off | ≥180 for Arts/Sciences; ≥210 for Engineering |
| Height | ≥1.68 m (male), ≥1.65 m (female) |
| Residency | Certificate of Native District / State of Origin |
| Marital Status | Single, with no dependent obligations |
| Application | Access code via NDA portal (₦3,500) and JAMB first‑choice NDA |
Selection Stages:
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JAMB UTME
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Post-UTME screening (written)
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Armed Forces Selection Board (medical, physical and aptitude)
Cost: Cadet training, tuition, boarding, medicals, and stipends are fully sponsored by the Federal Government.
Notable Achievements (2025 Highlights)
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Cybersecurity Leadership: Designated national training hub by federal ministries for defence-grade cyber education
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Global Affiliations: Cadet exchange programs established with Sandhurst (UK) and Saint-Cyr (France)
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Advanced Simulation Lab: Nigeria’s first AI-powered military training center commissioned in early 2025
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Academic Growth: Introduction of the Faculty of Management Sciences to diversify technical and strategic offerings
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Recognitions: Received the 2025 National Merit Award for Military Academic Excellence
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Top-tier Graduates: NDA cadets rated highest in ECOWAS peacekeeping assessments and officer performance
FAQs – Getting In and Life at NDA
Q: Are postgraduates accepted as civilians?
A: Yes, PGD, MSc, and PhD programs are open to civilians as well as paramilitary personnel.
Q: What is the training duration?
A: Regular Combatant Course spans five years—four academic years plus one year of military service training.
Q: Do female cadets go through the same rigors?
A: Yes, women cadets also complete full academic and military components and can qualify for combat roles.
Q: Are there tuition fees?
A: No. NDA training is fully funded by the Federal Government—cadets get full sponsorship plus stipends.
Q: What’s the key to surviving NDA training?
A: Physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline, and peer collaboration are critical—especially during the early rigorous terms.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Defence Academy remains Nigeria’s foremost institution for military officer training and academic distinction. With cutting-edge facilities, globally recognized programs, and a leadership-first culture, the NDA continues to shape the nation's defence and governance elites.
If you're aiming for a future in defence leadership, technology, or national service, NDA represents an unparalleled opportunity for holistic development and national contribution.
