A History of the Nigerian Defense Academy 1964 – 2006
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To investigate the present a detailed historical narrative of the Nigerian Defense Academy, tracing its origins, growth, and key milestones over the course of four decades
- To analyze the organizational structure, administrative setup, and operational policies of the Nigerian Defense Academy during the specified time period
- To examine the academic curriculum, training methodologies, and educational programs implemented at the Nigerian Defense Academy from 1964 to 2006
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
History of Nigerian Defence Academy
The NDA was established in February 1964 as a reformation of the British run Royal Military Forces Training College (RMFTC), which had been renamed the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) on independence. The military institution trains the officer corps of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force. The initial class had only 62 cadets, and the trainers were mostly officers in the Indian Army. The Nigerian National Defence Academy (NDA) follows the pattern of similar NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune, India. The first commandant of NDA was Indian Army Brigadier M.R Verma. The NDA grew to an all Nigerian training staff only in 1978. In 1981 itself began bilateral training of foreign militaries. In 1985 the academy commenced offering undergraduate programmes to Military Officers In Training and now also currently offers post graduate studies both for Msc and Ph.D for both military and civilian students alike. The central mission remains the training of young officer cadets in the 5 year “Regular Combatant Course” in which cadets are groomed in Military, Academic and Character development to instill discipline and leadership skills according to global best practices, culminating in the award of a bachelor’s degree and presidential commissioning into the rank of second lieutenant for Army cadets or equivalent in the Navy and Air Force for respective cadets. Until 2011 this course used to be exclusively for males, the first set of female cadets commenced training in September 2011. As of 2019, its total cadet class is around 2500.
The current Commandant is Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf who was the former registrar of the academy. He took over from Maj Gen Sagir Yaro.[2] Before his appointment, Yaro was the general managing director, Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee (NAWLG)
THE ROLE OF MILITARY AS ENTAILED IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION
The military is an arm of government authorised to use lethal force, and weapons, to support the interests of the state and some or all of its citizens. The task of the military is usually defined as defence of the state and its citizens, and the prosecution of war against another state. The military may also have additional sanctioned and non-sanctioned functions within a society, including, the promotion of a political agenda, protecting corporate economic interests, internal population control, construction, emergency services, social ceremonies, and guarding important areas. The military can also function as a discrete sub-culture within a larger civil society, through the development of separate infrastructures, which may include housing, schools, utilities, food production and banking.
The complex task of keeping Nigeria one, and of protecting the nation from external aggression and attacks undoubtedly rests primarily on the Nigerian armed forces that is, the army, navy and the air force. Between 1960 when Nigeria secured its independence from Britain right to the present 2010, when the country is in the process of consolidating the gains of democracy, it started in 1999, the journey into the “tortuous terrain” of defence and security of the nation’s territorial integrity from internal and external threats in a rapidly changing, complex albeit an unpredictable environment, has been both challenging and onerous for the nation’s military. It is therefore not surprising that the Nigerian military, which is composed of the Army, Navy, and Air force, is the most potent element of Nigeria’s national security. With a total strength of about one hundred and thirty-three thousand (133,000) men, with no official reserve, the Nigerian armed forces have over the years, acquired considerable stock of weapons of offense and defence, and has also been engaged in series of military exercises aimed at boosting the combat readiness and war preparedness of its officers and men. The primary purpose of the Nigerian military, just like those of other nations, is to defend their nation from external attack and deter or attack would-be enemies.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine history of the Nigerian Defense Academy 1964 – 2006. Nigeria defense Academy, Kaduna form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain A History of the Nigerian Defense Academy 1964 – 2006. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing a history of the Nigerian Defense Academy 1964 – 2006
Summary
This study was on history of the Nigerian Defense Academy 1964 – 2006. Three objectives were raised which included: To investigate the present a detailed historical narrative of the Nigerian Defense Academy, tracing its origins, growth, and key milestones over the course of four decades, to analyze the organizational structure, administrative setup, and operational policies of the Nigerian Defense Academy during the specified time period and to examine the academic curriculum, training methodologies, and educational programs implemented at the Nigerian Defense Academy from 1964 to 2006. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Nigeria defense academy Kaduna. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study on the history of the Nigerian Defense Academy from 1964 to 2006 provides valuable insights into the establishment, development, and contributions of the academy to Nigeria’s defense sector. The objectives of the study were successfully achieved, including the comprehensive examination of the academy’s historical narrative, exploration of its institutional framework, assessment of the curriculum and training programs, examination of its impact on national defense capabilities, and identification of challenges and lessons learned.
Through the study, it became evident that the Nigerian Defense Academy played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s defense capabilities during the specified period. It served as a key institution for the education, training, and development of military officers, contributing to the professionalism and operational readiness of the armed forces. The academy’s organizational structure, administrative setup, and curriculum underwent notable changes to adapt to evolving needs and challenges.
The study also revealed the significance of the Nigerian Defense Academy in preserving Nigeria’s military history. By documenting the academy’s origins, growth, and key milestones, the study contributes to the preservation and dissemination of historical knowledge for future generations, researchers, and policymakers.
However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study. Challenges such as the availability and reliability of historical data, biases in historical accounts, limitations in firsthand accounts, and scope constraints should be considered when interpreting the findings.
Nevertheless, the study holds great significance. It provides a foundation for further research, informs policy discussions, and offers valuable lessons for the improvement of military education, training, and institution-building. The study’s findings can guide future reforms, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making in the Nigerian Defense Academy and other military institutions.
Overall, the study on the history of the Nigerian Defense Academy from 1964 to 2006 contributes to our understanding of Nigeria’s military history, highlights the academy’s role in national defense, and provides insights that can inform the development of a capable and professional armed forces in Nigeria.
Recommendation
Based on the study conducted on the history of the Nigerian Defense Academy from 1964 to 2006, the following recommendations can be made:
- Enhance archival preservation: Efforts should be made to improve the preservation and accessibility of historical data and records related to the Nigerian Defense Academy. Establishing a dedicated archival unit and digitalizing documents can help ensure the availability and longevity of valuable historical information for future research and reference.
- Foster research and documentation: Encourage further research and documentation on the history of the Nigerian Defense Academy. Scholars, historians, and military professionals should be encouraged to delve deeper into specific aspects, events, and individuals related to the academy’s history. This would lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the institution and enrich the existing body of knowledge.
- Strengthen institutional memory: Promote the preservation and transmission of institutional memory within the Nigerian Defense Academy. Initiatives such as oral history projects, alumni engagement, and the creation of an institutional repository can help capture firsthand accounts, personal experiences, and lessons learned from past and present members of the academy. This would foster a stronger sense of identity, continuity, and institutional knowledge.
References
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- Mbachu, O. & Sokoto, A. A., (eds.). Nigeria Defence and Security: Policies and strategies. Kaduna, Medusa Academic Publishers Ltd, p. 556
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- Davis UK (2014). The role of the military in Nigerian security. A case study of boko haram. Accessed at http://www.academia.edu/9175962
- FGN (1999). Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. Abuja.
- FGN (2006). Nigerian National Defence Policy, Abuja
- ISSAT (2017). “Defence Policy”. Accessed at http://issat.dcaf.ch. On 6 November 2017
- Katsina A.M (2008). “Nigeria’s Defence Policy in the Fourth Republic: A Critical Analysis” An unpublished MSc in Defence at Strategic Studies, Department of Political Science and Defence Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy. Thesis
- Mbachu, O., (2011). The Management of National Security in Nigeria, in Mbachu, O. &
- Sokoto, A. A., (eds.). Nigeria Defence and Security: Policies and strategies. Kaduna, Medusa Academic Publishers Ltd, p. 167
