The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a robust academic and research partnership between the two institutions. This collaboration aims to enhance knowledge exchange, particularly in strategic and defense studies, while fostering national development through joint academic activities.
The signing ceremony, held at Loyalty Hall, NDA Headquarters in Kaduna, was a significant milestone in advancing inter-institutional cooperation. The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaborative research, academic exchanges, joint publications, student exchange programs, and educational tours, among other initiatives.
In his remarks, the Commandant NDA, Major General AK Ibrahim, described the occasion as a pivotal step toward strengthening academic synergy. He underscored the MoU’s alignment with NDA’s core values of innovation, academic excellence, and national service, emphasizing its importance in expanding the institution’s academic reach and relevance.
“This MoU not only broadens our academic horizon but also embodies our vision of becoming a world-class military university that contributes meaningfully to national development through strategic partnerships,” said Major General Ibrahim.
Representing ABUAD at the event, Deputy Vice Chancellor ( DVC Academics) Professor Christopher Aina lauded NDA’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and national defense. He expressed optimism that the partnership would yield impactful results in areas such as peacebuilding, leadership training, and national security research.
“For the NDA, your commitment to our national security has earned you global acclaim,” Professor Aina noted. “This partnership combines the strengths of a premier military institution with a leading private university, and it will undoubtedly produce far-reaching benefits.”
Professor Aina stood in for the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, and reiterated the university’s commitment to the objectives of the MoU.
The ceremony culminated with the formal signing of the MoU by Major General AK Ibrahim on behalf of NDA and Professor Christopher Aina representing ABUAD.
This collaboration reflects NDA’s continued efforts to build meaningful alliances with reputable institutions to enhance cadet training, drive research excellence, and contribute to national and international academic discourse.
Highpoints of the event included the signing of the visitors’ book, the exchange of souvenirs, a group photograph, as well as a tour of the Academy Hall of Fame.
Earlier in the day, the Commandant chaired a meeting between NDA Management and a delegation of China North Industries Corporation (NORINCHO)
