The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), located in Kaduna, stands as Nigeria’s foremost military university and one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions for officer training. Since its establishment in 1964, NDA has evolved into a center of academic and military excellence. The academy grooms cadets for commissioning into the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, while also offering full academic degrees in science, engineering, social sciences, and military studies.
In this 2025 review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about NDA—from available courses and admission procedures to facilities and notable achievements.
Overview of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
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Established: 1964
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Location: Afaka, Kaduna State, Nigeria
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Affiliation: Nigerian Armed Forces
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Degrees Offered: Undergraduate (BSc, BA, BEng), Postgraduate (MSc, PhD)
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Training Arms: Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force
The NDA blends academic education with rigorous military training, creating a pipeline for highly educated and disciplined officers. Every cadet earns a bachelor’s degree alongside their military commission.
Courses Offered at the Nigerian Defence Academy (2025)
NDA offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across several faculties. Here's a breakdown:
1. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
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BSc in Political Science and Defence Studies
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BSc in History and War Studies
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BSc in International Relations
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BSc in Psychology
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BSc in French
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BSc in Geography
2. Faculty of Engineering
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BEng in Civil Engineering
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BEng in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
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BEng in Mechanical Engineering
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BEng in Mechatronics Engineering
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BEng in Computer Engineering
3. Faculty of Science
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BSc in Physics
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BSc in Chemistry
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BSc in Mathematics
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BSc in Biological Sciences
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BSc in Computer Science
4. Faculty of Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies
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BSc in Security and Intelligence Studies
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BSc in Cyber Security
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BSc in Defence and Strategic Studies
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BSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
5. Faculty of Management Sciences (New in 2025)
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BSc in Accounting
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BSc in Economics
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BSc in Business Administration
Postgraduate Programs (PG School)
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MSc, MA, MEng, and PhD in select programs
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PGD in Security and Strategic Studies
Note: All cadets undergo military training concurrently with their degree programs for 5 years.
Facilities at NDA
The Nigerian Defence Academy is equipped with cutting-edge facilities that support academic and military excellence:
1. Military Training Grounds
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Obstacle courses
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Parade grounds
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Tactical shooting ranges
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Counter-insurgency simulation centers
2. Modern Lecture Halls and Laboratories
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Smart classrooms with digital boards
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Fully equipped engineering and science laboratories
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Simulation labs for cyber warfare and intelligence studies
3. ICT and E-Library
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High-speed internet-enabled e-library
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Online academic database access
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Military history archives
4. Accommodation and Cadet Mess
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Hostel facilities for male and female cadets
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Central dining facilities (Cadet Mess)
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24/7 security and medical support
5. Sports and Physical Fitness
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NDA Stadium
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Gymnasium and fitness center
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Swimming pools and martial arts halls
6. Medical Center
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Fully equipped NDA Teaching Hospital under development (expected completion: 2026)
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Emergency medical units
Notable Achievements of NDA in 2025
The NDA has made significant strides in recent years, gaining both national and international recognition. Below are some of its notable achievements as of 2025:
1. Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Training
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In 2024, NDA was selected by the Nigerian Ministry of Communications as a national cybersecurity training hub for defense personnel and government agencies.
2. International Exchange Programs
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Partnership agreements signed with Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (UK) and École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (France) for cadet exchange and joint exercises.
3. Advanced Warfare Simulation Lab
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Nigeria’s first AI-powered military simulation lab launched in early 2025.
4. Top Graduate Performance
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NDA cadets recorded the highest post-commission performance rating in the ECOWAS sub-region, especially in peacekeeping missions.
5. Expansion of Academic Programs
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New faculties introduced, including the Faculty of Management Sciences, expanding the academy’s academic depth and career opportunities for graduates.
6. Awards and Recognition
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NDA received the National Merit Award for Academic Excellence in Military Education (2025).
How to Get Admitted into NDA in 2025
Admission Requirements for Regular Combatant Course
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Nationality: Nigerian by birth
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Age: 17–21 years
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Height: Minimum of 1.68m (male) and 1.65m (female)
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Academic Requirements: 5 O’Level credits including Mathematics and English (max 2 sittings)
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JAMB: Must score above NDA’s cut-off mark (usually over 180)
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Application Form: Purchase from NDA Portal: www.nda.edu.ng
Selection Process
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JAMB UTME
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NDA Screening Test (Aptitude Test)
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Armed Forces Selection Board (AFSB)
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Final admission and resumption
Life as a Cadet at NDA
Being an NDA cadet is rigorous. The training combines:
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Academic lectures
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Daily physical drills
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Parades and combat tactics
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Field training exercises
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Community service
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Leadership and ethics development
Cadets are also exposed to weapons handling, watermanship, mountain climbing, and modern warfare tactics.
Career Prospects After NDA
Upon graduation, cadets are:
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Awarded a Bachelor’s degree in their field
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Commissioned as Second Lieutenants (Army), Sub-Lieutenants (Navy), or Flying Officers (Air Force)
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Deployed across Nigeria or abroad for service
Many NDA alumni become:
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Military generals
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National Security Advisers
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Peacekeeping commanders
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Ministers and public leaders
FAQs
1. Is NDA only for the military?
Yes, NDA is specifically for military officer training. However, it now also offers limited postgraduate programs to civilians.
2. What is the duration of training at NDA?
The Regular Combatant Course lasts 5 years, including academic and military training.
3. Does NDA offer scholarships?
Yes, all admitted cadets receive full sponsorship: tuition, accommodation, uniforms, feeding, and allowances.
4. Can female candidates apply?
Yes, NDA admits female cadets into all arms of service, including combat roles.
5. What’s the NDA cut-off mark for 2025?
It varies, but generally ranges between 180–210, depending on the course and competition level.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) continues to set the pace as a world-class military institution in Africa. With its impressive academic programs, elite military training, and state-of-the-art facilities, NDA remains a top destination for patriotic Nigerian youths dreaming of a career in the armed forces.
Whether you aspire to serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, NDA gives you the education, training, and leadership foundation needed to succeed.
