Nigerian Defence Academy Passing Out Parade 2025

-Special Report-

Nigerian Defence Academy Combined Passing Out Parade 2025

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna hosted its grand Passing Out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony for cadets of the 72 Regular Course, Short Service Course 48 (Army), Direct Short Service Course 33, and Branch Commission (Air Force).

This landmark event marked the culmination of years of rigorous military and academic training for 894 cadets, now commissioned into the Nigerian Armed Forces. The breakdown included 482 cadets from the Regular Course, 255 from the Army’s Short Service Course, and 157 from the Air Force’s Direct Short Service and Branch Commission Courses.

The ceremony was scheduled to be reviewed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. However, in a move that sparked political commentary, President Tinubu was absent from the event, delegating the responsibility to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This absence drew criticism from opposition groups such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who questioned the administration’s priorities amid ongoing national security challenges.

In his address, delivered by Akpabio, President Tinubu charged the newly commissioned officers with the solemn duty of defending Nigeria’s economic interests and territorial integrity against insurgents and terrorists. He emphasized that the military’s role is more critical than ever, as the nation’s stability and economic recovery hinge on their ability to secure farmlands, protect infrastructure, and counteract the destabilizing efforts of non-state actors.

The President lauded the NDA’s recent overhaul of its training curriculum and its adoption of technological innovations aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.

The parade itself was a spectacle of discipline, pride, and tradition. Cadets marched in precision, showcasing the skills honed through years of training.

Six cadets received special honors for excellence in academics, military drills, and extracurricular achievements, symbolizing the Academy’s commitment to producing well-rounded officers.

This year’s Passing Out Parade was not just a ceremonial milestone but a poignant reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s security architecture.

With over 10,000 lives reportedly lost to armed violence in 2025 alone, and regions like Zamfara and Katsina suffering repeated attacks, the commissioning of these officers arrives at a time when the country desperately needs renewed strength and strategic leadership within its military ranks.

The NDA continues to stand as a beacon of military excellence in West Africa, and the 2025 Passing Out Parade reaffirmed its role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s defense forces.

As these young officers step into their new roles, the nation watches with hope and expectation, trusting that they will uphold the values of courage, integrity, and service that define the Academy’s legacy.