NDA Courses, Requirements for Admission and Fees | 2024

The Nigerian Defence Academy is a great place to start your career in the military, with courses that will teach you everything you need to know. But before we get into the details of what those courses are, let’s first talk about what the academy is all about.

The NDA is the premier military training institution in Nigeria, known for its rigorous academic and physical training programs. It’s a place where the country’s finest future leaders are groomed and trained, and it’s an honor to be accepted into the academy.

So, in this article, we will be talking about the NDA courses and cut off mark, requirements for admission, and fees in 2024.

NDA

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has been around since 1964 and has grown into an important part of Nigeria’s military training system.

It was originally called the Royal Military Forces Training College and then the Nigerian Military Training College before becoming the NDA. The academy was initially set up to train the officer corps for the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The academy started with 62 cadets, and the instructors were mostly officers in the Indian Army. It took until 1978 for the training staff to be completely Nigerian. Since 1981, the academy has been training foreign militaries as well. It’s really expanded over the years!

The central mission of the NDA is to train young officer cadets in a 5-year “Regular Combatant Course”. This course is all about developing the cadets’ military, academic, and character skills so they can become disciplined and strong leaders. It’s no easy feat!

At the end of the 5 years, the cadets are awarded a bachelor’s degree and commissioned into the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Until 2011, this course was only open to males. Now, women are also accepted into the program, which is a big step forward for gender equality in the military.

Read: What is Military School And How Much Is It? Full Guide 

How many years is NDA?

The duration of the course at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is 5 years. The course is a combination of military, academic, and character development, all rolled into one intense program.

So, if you’re thinking of joining the NDA, be prepared for a long but rewarding journey that will shape you into a disciplined and skilled leader. The end goal is worth it: a bachelor’s degree and a commission into the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

What is the requirement to study in NDA?

So you want to join the NDA? Here’s what you need to know. First off, you need to be in tip-top shape, both physically and mentally. No slackers allowed! And you also need to be single with no dependents. You need to prove that you’re a Nigerian citizen, and you need to be between 17 and 21 years old.

To be eligible for admission, you need to have passed your GCE, SSCE, UTME, or any of the other exams listed above. And don’t forget, you need to meet the minimum height requirements.

Let’s talk about the academics. You need to have at least five credits in GCE, SSCE, WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, or NABTEB. And don’t forget about the UTME! You need to pass that too, and make sure you score high enough to meet the JAMB requirements.

Now, these requirements might seem a little intimidating, but don’t let them scare you off. If you’ve got the drive and the determination, you can make it happen.

Last but not least, let’s talk about French, Arabic, and Mandarin. These languages are not required, but they can give you an edge over the competition. If you’re fluent in any of these languages, make sure to highlight that on your application.

So there you have it. That’s what you need to know about the requirements for admission into the NDA. It’s not easy, but if you’re up for the challenge, it can be a life-changing experience.

What are the requirements for NDA registration?

To register for the NDA, you need to make sure you’ve got everything in order. You’ll need to have all your documents ready, including your birth certificate, academic transcripts, and medical records.

And don’t forget, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable fee for the registration process. This fee varies from year to year, so make sure to check the NDA website for the most up-to-date information.

Once you’ve got all your ducks in a row, you can start filling out the application form. Make sure you double-check all your information before submitting the form.

Is Jamb required for NDA?

Yep, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam is typically a must-do if you want to get into the NDA. The score you get on the JAMB exam is an important factor in deciding whether you’ll be shortlisted for the next step in the application process.

And don’t forget, you have to be within a certain age range to be eligible for the NDA. Generally, you need to be between 17 and 21 years old. That’s the age requirement for NDA. So if you’re older than that, you might need to consider other career options.

What is the NDA cut-off mark in Jamb?

Basically, the NDA cut off mark minimum score you need to get on the JAMB exam to be eligible for the next stage in the application process.

For the 2024/2025 academic session, the cut-off mark is set at 180. That means that if you score lower than 180, you won’t be considered for admission to the NDA. But if you score 180 or higher, then you’re in the running.

Can I study in NDA without Jamb?

Unfortunately, no you cannot. If you want to get into the NDA, the JAMB exam is a must-do. It’s one of the primary requirements, and your score is really important for determining whether you’ll be shortlisted for the next stage in the application process.

I know it can seem like a lot of hoops to jump through, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. So if you’re serious about joining the NDA, you’ll need to make sure you do your best on the JAMB exam.

Also, see: List of courses offered in Ekiti State University and their cut off mark | 2024

Does NDA accept NECO results?

Absolutely! If you’re thinking about applying to the NDA, you don’t have to worry if you took the NECO exam. The academy accepts both NECO and SSCE results.

As long as you have at least 5 credit passes in the relevant subjects, you’re good to go. That means English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and any other subject like Biology, Geography, Technical Drawing, Computer Science, or Further Mathematics. And you can have those credit passes from either NECO or SSCE, it doesn’t matter.

Can I use Waec to join NDA?

Yes, you sure can. If you have a WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination) result, you can absolutely use that to apply to the NDA. It’s one of the approved exams that the academy accepts, along with NECO, NBAIS, and NABTEB.

And just like with NECO, you need to have at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects, including English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and one other subject.

So if you’ve got a good WASSCE result under your belt, you’re in good shape to apply to the NDA.

How much are NDA school fees?

Alright, according to backtoschool.com.ng, here’s a breakdown of the NDA school fees for students according to your level:

How much are the NDA school fees for freshers?

For the 2024/2025 academic session, the basic school fee for freshers is N50,000 (Fifty thousand Naira). That covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and other charges. But wait, there’s more!

On top of that, you’ll need to pay an extra N20,000 (Twenty thousand Naira) for the acceptance fee, which confirms your admission to the academy. Then there’s the departmental fee and faculty fee, which depend on your course and faculty.

Then there are other levies, which can add up too. Medical fees, sports fees, library fees, identity card fees, and development fees—they all add to the cost.

So, all in all, you could be looking at a total of N80,000 to N100,000 for your first year at the NDA. It’s a lot, but remember, you’re getting a high-quality education and training at one of Nigeria’s premier military institutions.

How much is NDA school fees for returning students?

Let’s talk about school fees for returning students (that’s what they call students who aren’t in their first year). For the 2024/2025 academic session, the basic school fees is N33,000 (Thirty-three thousand Naira). This covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and other charges.

But there are still a few more fees that you’ll have to pay. Just like with the freshers, you’ll need to pay the departmental fee and faculty fee, which depend on your course and faculty.

And, just like with the freshers, there are a few more levies that you’ll have to pay as a returning student. These include medical, sports, library, identity card, and development fees. They’re pretty small—from N1,000 to N5,000 each—but they can add up.

So, all in all, you could be looking at a total of N50,000 to N70,000 for a returning student at the NDA. It’s not as high as the fees for freshers, but it’s still not cheap.

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How much are the NDA school fees for postgraduate students?

Let’s break down the NDA school fees for postgraduate students. For the 2024/2025 academic session, the basic school fee is N150,000 (One hundred and fifty thousand Naira). This covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and other charges.

But that’s not all. You’ll also have to pay the application fee, which is N10,000 (Ten thousand Naira). This is required for processing your admission to the NDA postgraduate program. Once you’ve been accepted, you’ll have to pay an acceptance fee of N30,000 (Thirty thousand Naira).

Now, let’s talk about departmental fees and faculty fees. These vary depending on your course and faculty. For instance, the departmental fee for engineering courses is N20,000 (Twenty thousand Naira), while the faculty fee for social sciences is N10,000 (Ten thousand Naira).

And then there are the smaller levies, like medical, sports, library, identity card, and development fees. These range from N1,000 to N5,000 each.

So all in all, a postgraduate student at the NDA can expect to pay between N200,000 and N250,000 in total. That’s a hefty chunk of change, but it covers everything you need to succeed in your studies.

What courses does NDA offer?

Here are the top NDA courses and departments as well as their requirements:

1. Faculty of science

Biology

So to be a Biology wizard at the Nigerian Defence Academy, you need to have five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry. These are the subjects that’ll give you the foundation you need to succeed in the course.

Remember, you also need to ace the JAMB exam and score high enough to meet the academy’s requirements. And make sure you pay attention to the subjects that are important for the course- English, Maths, Biology, and Chemistry. These are the ones that’ll really set you up for success in your studies.

Biotechnology

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry. These are the essential subjects that’ll give you the background knowledge you need to succeed in the course.

And just like with Biology, you’ll also need to nail the JAMB exam and score high enough to meet the NDA’s requirements. And make sure you pay attention to those key subjects—English, Maths, Biology, and Chemistry. They’re the ones that’ll really help you out in your studies.

Chemistry

To get into the course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. These are the core subjects that’ll give you the foundation you need to succeed.

And just like with the other courses, you’ll also need to ace the JAMB exam and score high enough to meet the NDA’s requirements. And keep those key subjects in mind—English, Maths, Chemistry, and Physics. They’re the ones that’ll really help you out in your studies.

Mathematics

To get into this course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, and Physics. These are the core subjects that’ll give you the foundation you need for your studies.

Physics

Okay, so if you’re interested in Physics at NDA, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. These are the core subjects that’ll give you the foundation you need to succeed in the course.

2. Faculty of military sciences and interdisciplinary studies

Computer Science

To get into this course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, and Physics.

Cybersecurity

If you’re interested in Cyber Security at NDA, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, and Physics.

Intelligence and security studies

To get into this course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, and Geography. These are the core subjects that’ll give you the foundation you need for a career in intelligence and security.

3. Faculty of engineering and technology

Civil engineering

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. These subjects will give you the basic knowledge you need to succeed as a civil engineer.

Electrical and electronics engineering

To get into this course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.

Mechanical engineering

So if you’re interested in Mechanical Engineering at NDA, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.

Mechatronics

To get into this course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.

4. Faculty of arts and social science

Economics

To get into this course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Economics, and Mathematics.

French

To get into this NDA course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, French, and Mathematics.

Geography

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Geography, and Mathematics.

History and War Studies

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, History or Government, and Mathematics.

Political science and international relations

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Government or Civic Education, and Mathematics.

Defense and security studies

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Government or Civic Education, and Mathematics.

Psychology

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Biology, and Mathematics.

Arabic

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Arabic, and Mathematics

5. Faculty of Management Sciences

Accounting

You’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Financial Accounting, and Mathematics. You’ll need to have a strong understanding of subjects like Commerce, Government, Civic Education, Geography, History, Economics, and Literature in English.

Logistics and supply chain management

To get into this course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Economics, and Mathematics.

And you’ll also need to have a strong understanding of subjects like Chemistry, Government, History, Geography, Accounting, Commerce, Food and Nutrition, Home Management, Physics, Biology, Agric Science, Visual Arts, and Technical Drawing.

Economics

To get into this economics, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Economics, and Mathematics.

You’ll need to have a strong understanding of subjects like Financial Accounting, Commerce, Government, Civic Education, Geography, History, French, Literature in English, and CRK/IRK.

Management sciences

To get into this course, you’ll need five credit passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics, and Economics, and one social science subject like Economics, Accounting, Business Method, Commerce, Government, Geography, or Statistics.

These are the NDA courses offered in Nigeria.

NDA Entrance Exam Subject Combinations

For candidates who want to join the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), you’ll need to choose any three of the following subjects for your entrance exam, depending on the course you’ve chosen:

1. Mathematics (compulsory for Psychology candidates)
2. Economics
3. Geography
4. History
5. Government
6. French
7. Biology (compulsory for Psychology candidates)

For candidates who want to join the Faculty of Sciences, here’s what you need to know – you’ll need to answer questions based on the following subjects, depending on your chosen course:

• Mathematics (Mathematics and any 2 of Physics, Chemistry, and Economics)
• Physics (Physics and any 2 of Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology)
• Chemistry (Chemistry and any 2 of Physics, Biology, and Mathematics)
• Biology (Biology and any 2 of Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics)

For candidates who want to join the Faculty of Engineering, you’ll need to answer ALL questions in the following subjects:

1. Mathematics
2. Physics
3. Chemistry

Finally, for candidates who want to join the Faculty of Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, you’ll need to answer the following subjects for Intelligence & Cyber Security Studies:

1. Mathematics
2. Physics
3. Any one of Biology, Chemistry, or Economics

Is NDA form for 2024 out?

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) application form for the 2025 academic year will be released in two phases.

For 2024, the first phase (NDA 1) application form was available from December 20, 2023, to January 9, 2024. The second phase (NDA 2) application form will be available from May 15 to June 4, 2024.

So, if you’re interested in applying in 2025, make sure to keep an eye out for the application form and apply within the designated periods!

How long is NDA training in Nigeria?

The academic program at NDA was improved in 1985, allowing cadets to complete a 5-year course.

During these five years, cadets will undergo four years of academic training and one year of pure military training. This means that for the first four years, cadets will be studying academic subjects such as Mathematics, Sciences, History, and Languages.

In the fifth and final year, they will focus on military training, such as weapon handling, tactics, physical fitness, and leadership skills.

Are NDA students paid in Nigeria?

Yes, they are! The Nigerian Government actually pays a stipend to students attending the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in recognition of their commitment and service to the country.

This means that while cadets are studying at NDA, they will receive a monthly stipend from the government, which is designed to cover their living expenses and other necessities.

This stipend is not a huge amount of money, but it helps to support cadets as they train and prepare to serve in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

What happens after you graduate from NDA?

After you graduate from NDA, you’re going to be like a fresh apple pie out of the oven – ready to be devoured (by the Armed Forces of course!). Most of you will continue your journey as officers in the Armed Forces. You might get posted to the Indian Military Academy, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy, depending on where you’re needed.

But remember, every path is different. Some of you might take a different route, but one thing’s for sure – you’ve got the skills and knowledge to make a difference, no matter where you end up!

Also, see: 15+ International Relations Courses in Nigeria | School and Program Type

What rank do you get after NDA in Nigeria?

When you successfully qualify for NDA, you will be given the rank of “cadet.” This means you are ready to begin 3 years of training at NDA, followed by an additional year of training at the Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy, or Air Force Academy.

After completing the 4 years of training, you will graduate with a new rank. Depending on which service you join, you will either be a Sub Lieutenant (Navy), Lieutenant (Army), or a Flying Officer (Air Force). The journey is long, but the outcome is worth it!

What is the lowest rank in NDA?

The lowest rank in NDA is Cadet. This is the starting rank for a candidate who joins the NDA. At this stage, the candidate is undergoing basic training and doesn’t have specific powers or responsibilities beyond those of a trainee.

As the Cadet progresses through their training at the NDA, they’ll attain the rank of Senior Cadet. This shows that the Cadet has gained more experience and is becoming a more skilled member of the armed forces.

Is dating allowed in NDA in Nigeria?

Although there are no rules that explicitly forbid NDA cadets from having girlfriends outside the campus, it’s generally considered wise for cadets to avoid romantic relationships during their training period.

This is because the NDA training is intense, and cadets need to focus on their studies and training. Having a girlfriend can be a distraction and take time away from the cadets’ studies and training.

So while it’s not forbidden, it’s probably best for cadets to prioritize their training and avoid relationships until they’ve completed their training.

Are cadets allowed to date each other?

While it’s not inherently wrong for cadets to have personal or romantic relationships with each other, relationships between cadets of substantially different ranks or between cadets within the chain of command (like a senior officer and a junior officer) are generally discouraged.

This is because these types of relationships can create conflicts of interest or favoritism in the military setting, which can disrupt the effective functioning of the organization. So while it’s not forbidden for cadets to date each other, it’s generally recommended that they avoid relationships that could create potential problems down the line.

Do NDA cadets get holidays to go home in Nigeria?

Yes, cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) do get holidays, just like their counterparts at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA). In fact, Sundays can be quite relaxing for cadets, just as they are for cadets at the OTA and IMA.

This means that even though cadets have a demanding training schedule, they do get some time to unwind and spend time with family and friends. So cadets at NDA can look forward to some much-needed breaks throughout their training program, including some time to go home and relax.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Nigerian Defence Academy offers a diverse range of courses for aspiring cadets who are interested in a career in the military.

To be admitted into the NDA, you need to do well in your studies and pass the JAMB exam, which might require specific subjects depending on the course you choose.

As for the fees, you’ll need to pay for tuition, housing, and other expenses, but the amount can change every year. In short, the NDA can be tough, but it’s a great place to go if you’re passionate about serving your country through the military.

References

• backtoschool.com.ng – NDA School Fees
• en.wikipedia.org – Nigerian Defence Academy
• spgs.nda.edu.ng – Nigerian Defence Academy admissions
• allschool.ng – NDA courses

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