NIGERIA: NDA Commandant Seeks Stronger Collaboration With French Military Academy

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General A.K. Ibrahim, has called for enhanced collaboration between the Academy and the French Military Academy, École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM), in the areas of military education, leadership development, and language exchange.

He made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Commandant of the French Military Academy, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Charpy, to the NDA Headquarters in Afaka, Kaduna.

The visit, which included the French Defence Attaché, Colonel Stephane Useo, and senior officers Colonel Bertrand Peytavin and Lieutenant Colonel Raphael Chauvancy, was aimed at strengthening existing ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between both institutions.

Major General Ibrahim expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership between the two academies, noting that such collaboration enhances the training of disciplined and visionary military leaders. He said international cooperation remains key to improving operational excellence and fostering a broader understanding among military personnel.

He added that Nigeria’s proximity to Francophone countries makes it necessary for members of the Armed Forces to acquire proficiency in the French language to enhance communication during joint operations.

Tracing the NDA’s 61-year history, the Commandant revealed that over 20,000 officers have graduated from the Academy, including about 500 foreign cadets from allied countries. He added that the institution currently trains cadets from 14 nations across Africa and beyond.

In his remarks, Lieutenant General Charpy commended the NDA’s robust training structure and academic programmes, describing the visit as an opportunity to exchange ideas and promote mutual learning. He stressed that both academies share a common mission of building leaders of character and competence.

Earlier, the Director of Military Training, Brigadier General T. Ahmed, briefed the visiting delegation on the Academy’s evolving curriculum designed to produce disciplined, intellectually sound, and combat-ready officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The French delegation also visited the NDA French Language Laboratory and Hall of Fame, where they observed drills, obstacle training, and physical exercises conducted by cadets.

The day’s activities concluded with a Gala Night held in honour of the visitors. The event featured cultural performances by Igbo, Tiv, and Kanuri dance troupes, as well as the NDA Band.

The Deputy Commandant of the NDA, Air Vice Marshal A. Abdulkadir, expressed appreciation to the visiting delegation for their time and reaffirmed the Academy’s readiness to build on the partnership.