Any academic institution can talk about its quality of studies and convenient teaching conditions all day long. In reality, the main indicator of the effectiveness of an educational institution is the achievements of its graduates. In this article, we will consider the Nigerian Defence Academy notable alumni.
A few words about NDA
It’s a military educational institution where the students spend 5 years; 4 years for academic research and an additional year for military training. This academy is considered one of the best in Africa in terms of military specialization. It’s no wonder that so many famous people who played a key role in the development of our country were graduates of this institution.
The NDA became active in 1964 when the British military college was reformed. It was given a more Nigerian identity after the country gained its independence. The officers of the national army, navy and air force employees have been trained here. 62 students were admitted in the first year and they were, for the most part, trained by Indian officers.
NDA flourished in 1978. In 1981 academy began to carry out bilateral training for foreign students. Since 1985, Bachelor’s, Postgraduate and Ph.D courses became available for military and civilians.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Defence Academy Admission Requirements
10 Nigerian Defence Academy famous alumni
Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau
He is a former Chief of Army Staff. Dambazau also served as the head of a military college and ruled the second division in Ibadan. In 2008, by decree of the President, he headed the army headquarters. In 2015, he was appointed Minister of Interior under Muhammadu Buhari.
Alexander Odeareduo Ogomudia
Alexander Odeareduo Ogomudia was a student of NDA in Kaduna. He was also a CAS (2001-2003) and CDS (2003-2006). In addition, he was commander of the 1st division between 2005-2006.
Muhammadu Buhari
Interestingly enough, our current president has an NDA diploma. The President’s political career began in the army. After the NDA, Buhari went to England where he studied at a cadet school. In 1963, he served as lieutenant and commanded a platoon in Abeokuta. He was also a brigadier major. Later on, Buhari began his long and arduous career in politics.
Azubuike Ihejirika
Another Chief of Army Staff who studied at the NDA is Azubuike Ihejirika. He worked in this post between 2010-2014. He was on the directing staff of Command and Staff College and served as Principal Staff Officer at the Defence and Army Headquarters. After his retirement, he was given the title “Dike Abia”, which is considered the highest honour among Igbo people.
Abubakar Dangiwa Uma
In 1967, he joined the Nigerian army. From 1972, Umar served as a second lieutenant. Umar was appointed General Staff Officer in the Department of Armour, Army Headquarters. During the 1985 coup, he served as Major and Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority. The successful outcome of the coup led him to become governor of Kaduna State – a post he held between 1985 and 1988. Umar retired from military service in 1993 and became a social critic.
Gideon Gwaza Orkar
He is a military major who in 1990 was behind a violent coup aimed at overthrowing Ibrahim Babangida’s government. Together with his conspirators, they seized the FRCN radio station, military headquarters and the presidential residence. During the attack, the president had no choice but to escape through the back door. Babangida eventually managed to suppress this coup.
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
The current Chief of Naval Staff took this post in 2015. Prior to this, he served as the Navy Holdings Limited of Navy Holdings Limited.
Lateef Kayode Are
He was a National Security Adviser between September and October 2010. He also served as the General of State Security Service. He held this post from 1999 to 2007.
Maxwell Mitikishe Khobe
This man played an important role during the 1976 coup. In 1977, he became captain of the Armoured Corps, having had some training experience as an infantry officer. He also received important knowledge from Armoured Officers Basic Course.
In 1984, Khobe was appointed as a major. In 1985, he led a tank unit during a coup to remove Buhari from power. Khobe late achieved the status of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1989.
In 1994, he won the coveted Nigerian Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award and became a Colonel. Khobe was later appointed as a Brigadier, and then received the position of Chief of Defence Staff.
Muhammad Inuwa Idris
Of course, we have to mention the Commandant of NDA. He was the 26th person to hold this post and held it during the period of 2013-2015. Before this appointment, he worked at the Defence College as Director of Studies and Deputy Commandant. In his biography, there are also pages describing his efforts at the NAIS and contribution to the reconnaissance army corps.
President Buhari at the NDA Passing Out
These are not all the famous graduates of the NDA. We still have people like Owoye Andrew Azazi, Oladipo Diya, Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar, Tunji Olurin, Victor Malu, John Michael Ogidi, Sambo Dasuki and so on. So, now you know that studying in the NDA can provide you with a respectable future career and huge achievements.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Defence Academy courses and requirements
Source: Zenithblog.com
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