A military school in Nigeria called the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) trains officer cadets for commissioning into the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Possibly Nigeria’s most competitive institution. The military school was established in 1964 as a realignment of the British-run Royal Military Forces Training College. Here, we’ll give you an update on the best Courses in NDA for you to study just in case you are not sure of the courses they offer.
Due to its repute and status, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is a school that many Nigerians aspire to attend. Each year, millions of people register to attend military school there.
Despite the fact that many people want to enroll in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), some people are unsure of the programs that the NDA school offers.
You have come to the right place if you are looking for a course to take at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). To assist you with making your decision, we have gathered a comprehensive list of best courses in NDA on this page.
First, let us have a look at the background of the Nigerian Defence Academy
Table of Contents
History and Fun Facts of the Nigerian Defence Academy
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is the premier military training institution in Nigeria. Here’s a brief overview of its history and some fun facts:
History:
- The NDA was established on January 5, 1964, as the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) and was located in Kaduna, Nigeria.
- The NMTC was upgraded to a full-fledged military university in February 1985 and was renamed the Nigerian Defence Academy.
- The NDA was modeled after the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom and was designed to train officer cadets for the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Navy.
Fun Facts:
- Symbol: The NDA’s emblem features a gold eagle, which symbolizes the Nigerian Air Force, a gold anchor, which represents the Nigerian Navy, and a crossed sword and gun, which symbolize the Nigerian Army.
- Structure: The NDA consists of several faculties, including the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, among others.
- Admission: To gain admission into the NDA, candidates must undergo a rigorous selection process, including a written examination, physical fitness test, medical examination, and an interview.
- Training: The NDA offers a comprehensive training program that combines academic education, military training, and character development. Cadets receive instruction in various subjects, including leadership, military tactics, engineering, and humanities.
- Graduates: Upon successful completion of the program, cadets are commissioned as officers in their respective branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
- International Collaboration: The NDA maintains partnerships with military training institutions from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and India, among others, to foster collaboration and enhance training opportunities.
- Role in Peacekeeping: Nigerian Defence Academy graduates have actively participated in international peacekeeping missions, representing Nigeria in various regions across the world.
The Nigerian Defence Academy holds a significant role in shaping the future leaders of the Nigerian Armed Forces and plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s defense and security.
10 Best Courses in NDA for Nigerian Students 2023
Here are the 10 best courses in NDA for Nigerian students, along with brief explanations of each:
1. Regular Combatant Course (Army)
The Regular Combatant Course is designed for cadets aspiring to join the Nigerian Army. This course focuses on infantry tactics, combat operations, military leadership, and physical fitness.
It prepares cadets for a career in the Army, equipping them with the necessary skills to serve in various roles within the land-based military branch.
2. Naval Undergraduate Course (Navy)
The Naval Undergraduate Course is specifically tailored for students interested in joining the Nigerian Navy.
It covers a range of subjects such as maritime operations, naval warfare, navigation, ship maintenance, and leadership.
Cadets in this course receive training to become officers in the Nigerian Navy and contribute to national maritime security.
3. Air Force Undergraduate Course (Air Force)
The Air Force Undergraduate Course is ideal for students aspiring to join the Nigerian Air Force. This course focuses on aviation, aeronautics, air warfare, flight operations, and aircraft maintenance.
Cadets in this course receive comprehensive training in air operations, including piloting, navigation, and aerial combat.
4. Electrical/Electronic Engineering
The Electrical/Electronic Engineering course is designed for students interested in electrical systems, electronics, telecommunications, and related fields.
It covers topics such as circuit analysis, power systems, control systems, telecommunications, and signal processing.
Cadets gain knowledge and skills in designing, operating, and maintaining electrical and electronic systems used in military applications.
5. Mechanical Engineering
The Mechanical Engineering course at NDA emphasizes the study of mechanical systems, thermodynamics, automotive engineering, and design principles.
Cadets learn about machinery, materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical analysis.
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the maintenance and development of military equipment and machinery.
6. Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering focuses on infrastructure development, construction, and civil engineering projects.
It covers subjects such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and construction management.
Cadets in this course learn about designing and constructing infrastructure critical to national security, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
7. Computer Science
The Computer Science course provides a comprehensive education in various aspects of computer systems, programming languages, software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Cadets gain skills in programming, database management, network administration, and software engineering.
This course prepares students for roles involving information systems, cybersecurity, and advanced technological applications in defense.
8. Economics
The Economics course at NDA provides cadets with a foundation in economics and equips them with analytical skills to address economic issues relevant to national security.
Students learn about microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and economic policy analysis.
This course enables cadets to contribute to strategic decision-making and resource allocation within the military.
9. Mathematics
The Mathematics course emphasizes advanced mathematical concepts, mathematical modeling, and computational methods.
Cadets learn about calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and mathematical analysis.
This course equips students with the mathematical skills necessary for solving complex military problems, such as optimization, cryptography, and data analysis.
10. Geography
The Geography course covers physical and human geography, geopolitical analysis, and strategic planning.
Cadets learn about map reading, geographical information systems, remote sensing, and geopolitics.
These courses in NDA equips students with a deep understanding of the physical and human factors that influence military operations and national security.
All Courses in NDA
Below is the full list of Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, courses.
| Faculties | courses | |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Civil Engineering (CE)Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)Mechanical Engineering (ME)Mechatronic Engineering (MCE) | |
| Science | BiotechnologyBiological ScienceMathematicsPhysicsChemistry | |
| Art and Social Sciences | Defence and Security StudiesGeographyHistory and War StudiesLanguagesPolitical SciencePsychology | |
| Military Science | Computer Science Cyber SecurityIntelligence and Security StudiesMilitary Science | |
| Management Sciences | AccountingEconomicsLogistics and Supply Chain ManagementManagement Science |
How To Apply for Nigerian Defence Academy
Application forms and all you need to know before applying.
This is to inform the general public that online
application for admission into the 75 Regular Courses of
the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna was made available from Monday 24 October 2022 to 31 March, 2023. This means that it has been closed for 2022/2023 session.
- Admission into NDA is open to both MALE and
FEMALE Nigerians. Candidates should log on to the
application portal www.ndaapplications.net, select
“Purchase Access Code” and fill in their details to pay
for their application via REMITA after first obtaining their
ORDER ID and REMITA Retrieval Reference (RRR) Code
in the sum of N3,500.00 only. Please NOTE that only
payment against RRR Codes generated via the
application portal would be accepted.
METHOD OF APPLICATION - Interested candidates are advised to go online and
complete the application on the websites indicated
above. Please download and read carefully, the
Instructions are provided on the website. APPLICANTS
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION INTO NDA MUST ALSO APPLY
TO THE JOINT ADMISSIONS AND MATRICULATIONS
BOARD (JAMB), AND MUST SELECT NDA AS FIRST
CHOICE INSTITUTION. SUCH APPLICANTS ARE EXPECTED
TO SIT FOR THE JAMB UNIFIED TERTIARY MATRICULATION
EXAMINATIONS (UTME).
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS - Application forms are to be submitted together with
the scanned SSCE results online. On submission of the
online application, candidates are to download an
Acknowledgment Form.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS - The requirements for various undergraduate degree
programmes are as detailed in the NDA
website/applications portal. All other information
concerning degree courses, eligibility, and screening
test centers are as contained in the NDA
website/applications portal. Please NOTE that working
knowledge of French Arabic will be an added
advantage to applicants.
SCREENING TEST CONDITIONS - Only candidates who satisfied the admission
requirements and must have the UTME score of 180 for
Arts & Social Sciences and Science while 210 score for
Engineering courses will be enabled to print the
Screening Test Admission Card and participate in the
NDA Screening Test at the Centre of choice.
NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY
PMB 2109 KADUNA
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO THE
NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY 75 REGULAR COURSE
Signed
ACADEMY REGISTRAR
SCREENING TEST DATE AND REQUIREMENTS - The screening test will be conducted as phase one of
the Post-UTME screening and is scheduled to hold on
Saturday 22 April 2023. Therefore, all eligible candidates
are to bring along their Acknowledgement Form,
Screening Test Admission Card, JAMB result slip and TWO
(2) postcard size (3.5 x 5 inches) photographs to the
Screening Test Centre. The photographs should show
only from the chest upwards and should contain the
candidate’s Name, Exam number, State, Exam Centre,
The course of study and Signature at the back. Only
successful candidates at the NDA Screening Test will
subsequently, be invited to the Armed Forces Selection
Board (phase 2 of the screening test) following which the
list of admitted candidates will be published.
NATURE AND DURATION OF TRAINING - Candidates admitted into NDA for Regular Course will
undergo military and academic training as Officer
Cadets for a duration of 5 years. On successful
completion of training, graduands will earn a honours
degree in a core discipline (BSc, BEng, BA). They will
equally earn a Presidential Commission into the Armed
Forces of Nigeria.
ADMINISTRATION - All Regular Course cadets will train in NDA and the cost
of their administration and logistics will be borne by the
Federal Government of Nigeria.
REFERENCE MATERIALS - In response to requests from candidates for reference
materials, the Academy has offered a Compendium of
Past Questions & Answers at a token fee to interested
candidates. This can be purchased from the Registry,
NDA.
Conclusion
These courses in NDA provide a diverse range of opportunities for Nigerian students interested in pursuing a career in the military.
The explanations provided above highlight the main areas of focus and the skills acquired in each course, allowing students to choose a field that aligns with their interests and future career goals.
There are also a lot of good courses in NDA to choose from apart from the ones listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for courses at the Nigerian Defence Academy?
To apply for courses at NDA, you need to meet the eligibility criteria and follow the official application process. Typically, the application involves obtaining the application form, completing it with the required information, and submitting it along with the necessary documents. It’s important to regularly check the NDA website or contact their admissions office for the most up-to-date application guidelines and deadlines.
Are there any physical fitness requirements for NDA courses?
Yes, physical fitness is an essential aspect of NDA courses. The military profession requires individuals to be physically fit and capable of enduring rigorous training and operational demands. Candidates applying for NDA courses are usually subjected to physical fitness assessments, which may include running, push-ups, sit-ups, and other physical exercises.
Are there any scholarship opportunities available for NDA courses?
Yes, there are scholarship opportunities available for NDA courses. The Nigerian government, military organizations, and other institutions may offer scholarships to exceptional candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to serving the country. These scholarships can provide financial support for tuition fees, accommodation, and other educational expenses.
Can I change my course after being admitted to the Nigerian Defence Academy?
In general, it is not common to change your course after being admitted to NDA. The admission process is highly competitive, and candidates are usually admitted based on the course they applied for and their performance in the selection process. However, specific circumstances or requests for course changes may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Reference
- https://www.ndaapplications.net/
- https://nda.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Application-for-admission-into-the-NDA-75RC-Oct-2022.pdf
- https://www.clacified.com/education/16/full-list-nda-courses
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