NASS Plans Easy NDA Entry for Military School Graduates

The National Assembly has reportedly intensified plans to ease the smooth transition of the Military-Focused Schools’ graduates into the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA).

According to reports, the development is part of a strategy to enhance the combat strength of the armed forces. The four military-focused schools are: the Nigeria Military School, Zaria, Kaduna, the Air Force Military School, and the Military School, Jos, in Plateau. Others are the Air Force Military School (Girls), Jos, Plateau and the Navy Military School, Ikot-Ituen, in Akwa Ibom.

Alhaji Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, member, representing Doguwa/Tudun-Wada Federal Constituency, Kano, disclosed this on the sidelines of the 67th Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Nigeria Military School (NMS) in Zaria. Ado-Doguwa said the bill to amend the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Act had passed second reading. According to him, the bill seeks, among others, the seamless transition of students from the four Nigerian military schools into NDA. The lawmaker noted that most of the students of the military schools had acquired basic military skills, adding that such students should be encouraged to pursue a career in the military. This, according to him, will enhance the combat strength of the Armed Forces while ensuring that the bill will have overwhelming support in the national assembly.

NAN reports that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede had restated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a well-educated, professionally competent and future-ready army, through strategic investment in education. The COAS, who was the Reviewing Officer and Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, was represented by Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna.

Oluyede said there was a window of opportunity for graduands who intended to pursue a career in the military to secure a place in the NDA. However, the COAS further explained that the criteria for admission into the NDA were spelt out, stressing that such criteria applied to all Nigerians. He added that the graduating students were encouraged to apply, as they have a better advantage, following the preliminary military training and orientation they already obtained at the NMS.