If your dream is to become an officer in the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is your gateway to achieving that goal. However, gaining admission to this prestigious military training institution requires careful planning and meeting specific criteria. In this article, we’ll walk you through the admission requirements for NDA and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.
Admission Requirements for NDA:
To secure a spot at the Nigerian Defence Academy, you must fulfill the following admission requirements:
- Academic Qualifications: You need to have a minimum of five (5) credit passes in your O-Level results, including English Language and Mathematics. These results can be from WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, and they should not span more than two sittings.
- JAMB Score: If you’re a UTME candidate, you must achieve a JAMB score of at least 180. Any score lower than this will not be accepted by the Academy.
- Direct Entry: If you’re applying through Direct Entry, make sure to select NDA as your first choice.
- Age Requirement: You should be between 17 and 21 years old as of September in the year of entry into the academy.
- Height: For males, a minimum height of 1.68 meters is required, while females need to be at least 1.65 meters tall.
- Physical and Medical Fitness: Applicants must be physically and medically fit, with supporting evidence. Good moral character is also essential.
- Additional Languages: Proficiency in languages like French, Arabic, or Mandarin can be advantageous.
- Marital Status: You must be single and without any legal obligation to support a child or dependents.
- Indigeneship Certificate: A Certificate of indigeneship from your state government or local government area is required.
Other Important Information for Applicants:
- O-Level Results: Ensure that you have your O-Level results ready when applying, as the application won’t be accepted without them.
- Awaiting Results: NDA does not accept candidates with awaiting O-Level results. Make sure you have your results before applying.
- Citizenship: Admission is open to Nigerian citizens only; foreign citizens are not eligible.
- O-Level Results Age: Your O-Level results should not be older than five (5) years from the date of examination.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is JAMB required for NDA Admission? Yes, UTME candidates need to take the JAMB exam.
- How long is NDA training? The NDA training program spans 3 years.
- What are the school fees? The total school fees for new undergraduates is N80,000, with possible additional fees.
- Are phones allowed? No, students are not permitted to have phones on the Academy campus.
- How many courses does NDA offer? NDA offers 19 courses across four faculties: Art and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science, and Interdisciplinary and Cyber Security.
- Is NDA tuition-free? No, tuition fees are required to attend NDA.
- What’s the age limit? The age range for admission is 17 to 21 years, and married candidates are not eligible.
- Do NDA graduates go to war? No, most NDA graduates continue as officers in the Armed Forces.
- Does NDA provide a stipend? No, students are not paid while undergoing training.
- What rank is given after NDA? Upon graduation, you will be appointed a Lieutenant.
Conclusion:
Gaining admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy is a significant accomplishment that requires meeting various criteria, from academic qualifications to physical fitness. By understanding these requirements and adhering to the guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to pursuing a successful military career. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments below. And remember, sharing this article could help others striving for the same goal.