Top 10 Military And Para-Military Universities In Nigeria As Of 2025

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its internal security and military operations, the demand for qualified professionals in the defense and paramilitary sectors continues to rise. Institutions known as military and paramilitary universities play a critical role in grooming the next generation of military officers, law enforcement agents, and strategic security professionals.

These institutions combine academic training with rigorous discipline, physical drills, leadership development, and specialized knowledge in defense, policing, law, cybersecurity, engineering, and more. Whether you dream of joining the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, or Civil Defence, this list covers the top 10 military and paramilitary universities in Nigeria as of 2025.

Top 10 Military and Para-Military Universities in Nigeria 2025

1. Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna

Type: Military University

Established: 1964

Affiliation: Ministry of Defence

Why NDA Tops the List:

NDA is Nigeria’s premier military university, responsible for training officer cadets for commissioning into the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Key Features:

• Offers degrees in Engineering, Sciences, Arts, and Military Studies

• Combines military drills with academic training

• Cadets graduate as Second Lieutenants or equivalent

Entry Requirements:

• UTME + NDA entrance exam

• Physical and medical screening

• Age limit: 17–21 years

2. Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB)

Type: Military-Civilian University

Established: 2018

Affiliation: Nigerian Army

Why Choose NAUB:

NAUB promotes innovation and research for military development while offering access to civilians.

Key Features:

• Undergraduate degrees in ICT, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Environmental Science

• Military values integrated in academics

• Accepts both military and civilian students

Entry Requirements:

• 5 credits in WAEC/NECO

• UTME and Post-UTME screening

3. Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna

Type: Military Engineering and Tech Institute

Affiliation: Nigerian Air Force

What Makes AFIT Unique:

AFIT is Nigeria’s top military engineering institute, specializing in aerospace, avionics, and advanced tech.

Key Features:

• Offers BSc, BEng, and HND in Aviation Engineering, Cybersecurity, Mechatronics

• Accredited by NUC and COREN

• High employability in aviation and defense

Admission:

• JAMB, Post-UTME

• 5 O'level credits (Science-oriented)

4. Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano State

Type: Paramilitary University

Established: 2012

Affiliation: Nigerian Police Force

Why POLAC is Outstanding:

Graduates from POLAC are commissioned as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) upon completion.

Programs Offered:

• Criminology, Law, Sociology, Political Science, Cybersecurity, Forensics

• Police and leadership training embedded

Entry Requirements:

• UTME and Academy selection process

• Medical and physical fitness test

5. Nigeria Immigration Training School, Kano (NITSK)

Type: Paramilitary Academy

Affiliation: Nigerian Immigration Service

Overview:

Though not a degree-awarding institution, NITSK offers professional paramilitary and border security training.

Relevance in 2025:

In partnership with affiliated universities, it offers specialized diplomas in migration, intelligence, and border security.

Career Prospects:

Immigration Officer, Passport Control, Border Patrol Specialist

6. Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja

Type: Paramilitary Institution

Affiliation: Nigeria Customs Service

About the College:

The institution handles the academic and tactical training of Customs cadets.

Specialized Programs:

Customs operations, tariffs, global trade laws, and revenue enforcement

Note:

In 2025, there's a growing movement to grant diploma certification in partnership with tertiary institutions.

7. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Training College, Abeokuta

Type: Paramilitary Training Institute

Affiliation: NSCDC

Why It Matters:

The college trains recruits in civil protection, intelligence, pipeline surveillance, and national security.

Recent Development (2025):

Diploma training in disaster management and national defense now offered in affiliation with selected universities.

8. Naval College, Onne / Naval Engineering College, Sapele

Type: Military-Technical Institution

Affiliation: Nigerian Navy

Why It’s Unique:

It provides deep military and technical education in seamanship, marine engineering, and naval warfare.

Academic Focus:

Nautical Science, Submarine Technology, Weapon Systems

Training Duration:

6–9 months for specialized naval ratings
Regular cadet programs span 3–5 years with practical deployments

9. Nigerian Army College of Logistics (NACOL), Lagos

Type: Military College

Focus: Logistics & Supply Chain for the Armed Forces

Overview:

NACOL trains officers in supply chain operations, logistics coordination, and transport management.

Affiliations:

Offers MSc and PGD programs in collaboration with Nigerian universities and international partners

Ideal For:

Officers transitioning into defense procurement or supply corps

10. Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Ilorin

Type: Military Educational Institution

Focus: Training educational officers for the military

Academic Programs:

• Degrees in Education, Psychology, Curriculum Studies

• Also offers military pedagogy and training development

Career Opportunities:

• Teaching in military secondary schools

• Training development roles within the Nigerian Army

Benefits of Attending a Military or Para-Military University

1. Guaranteed Job Placement:

   Most graduates are automatically absorbed into the defense system.

2. Free Education:

   Institutions like NDA and POLAC offer fully funded education with allowances.

3. Discipline and Leadership Training:

   You’re trained to lead and make smart decisions under pressure.

4. Security Clearance and Prestige:

   Military and paramilitary education is highly respected and can lead to high-ranking positions.

5. Career Progression:

   Opportunities for foreign training, promotions, and specialization.

How to Apply to Military and Para-Military Universities in Nigeria (2025)

• Step 1: Register and sit for the UTME examination (choose the school as your first choice)

• Step 2: Follow the institution’s official website for screening updates

• Step 3: Attend screening, physical fitness, and medical exams

• Step 4: Await shortlisting and admission into the institution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can civilians apply to these institutions?

Yes. Schools like NAUB and AFIT admit both civilians and military candidates.

2. Is there age restriction for admission?

Yes. NDA, POLAC, and others have strict age limits (usually 17–21 for undergraduates).

3. Do these institutions offer degrees?

Yes. Most military and paramilitary universities offer full bachelor’s degrees. Some also offer diplomas and postgraduates.

4. Are students paid while in school?

Yes. NDA and POLAC cadets receive stipends, accommodation, feeding, and uniforms.

5. Are there opportunities for international training?

Yes. Graduates often go on foreign missions or defense training in partner countries.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s security and defense future lies in the hands of well-trained professionals, and these top 10 military and paramilitary universities in Nigeria (2025) are leading the charge. Whether you're passionate about becoming a military officer, law enforcement agent, or cybersecurity expert, there is a place for you in one of these institutions.

They don’t just provide education—they mold leaders, defenders of national unity, and strategic thinkers. So if you're considering a career in Nigeria’s security system, choose from these highly respected institutions.