The Nigerian Defence Academy's (NDA) academic calendar lays out a clear schedule for all of the academic activities, military training, tests, and ceremonial events that happen during each school year.
It's especially important for prospective cadets, current students, and parents who want to know how the academy plans its school year to understand the NDA academic calendar.
The NDA Academic Calendar is not open to the public, but we will explain how it works and what academic activities you can expect below.
Structure of the NDA Academic Year 2025/2026
The Nigerian Defence Academy's academic year is usually split into two main semesters, but some programmes may have their own special semester. Every semester has times for registration, lectures, tests, and exams.
This structure lets cadets learn more while also taking part in the academy's many military training programmes. The first semester usually starts in late September, after registration and orientation. During this time, cadets go back to school, do physical training, and practise being leaders.
Before the mid semester tests and then the final exams, academic courses last for several weeks. These tests are the last thing that happens in the first half of the school year.
Cadets take a short break after the first semester tests are over and before the second semester starts. The second semester is set up in a similar way, with lectures, tests, and final exams. The second semester is usually longer because it includes more advanced training exercises and practical activities.
Some programmes, especially graduate ones, may have a special semester toward the end of the school year. This extra time gives students the chance to finish their homework, research, or tests before the next school year starts.
NDA Special Semester and Additional Academic Activities
The Nigerian Defence Academy has a special semester at the end of the regular academic year for some of its academic sessions. This semester usually starts in late June and ends in August.
There are several reasons for the special semester. It provides cadets who need to retake some classes a chance to finish them before the start of the next school year. It can also be used for research projects, intensive training programmes, or other academic activities that are out of the ordinary.
During this time, cadets take fewer classes and do academic activities that are meant to help them learn the most important course material in a shorter amount of time. Students take tests at the end of the special semester to assess their learning progress.
In recent academic calendars, special semester classes have run from late June to mid August, with exams following in late August.
Convocation and Final Session Activities
The convocation ceremony is one of the most important events on the NDA academic calendar. This event marks the end of academic programmes and honours the accomplishments of cadets who are graduating.
Cadets who have finished their military and academic training get their degrees and officer commissions during the ceremony. Usually, the event is attended by high ranking government officials, military leaders, and important guests.
Convocation is the end of years of hard work in school and in the military. It also stands for the change from being students at the academy to being commissioned officers ready to serve in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do NDA students receive a salary?
A: Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) cadets receive a monthly stipend and allowance during their 5 year training
Q: Which rank is given after NDA in Nigeria?
A: Upon successful completion of training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), cadets are commissioned as officers with the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army
Q: Do the NDA cadets go to war?
A: NDA cadets (students) do not go to war during their 3–4 years of training, as they are focused on academic and military instruction.
Q: Must I choose NDA as my first choice?
A: Yes, the Nigerian Defence Academy must be selected as the first choice during UTME registration for eligibility consideration.
Q: What is the JAMB score for NDA?
A: The minimum JAMB cut off mark for the Nigerian Defence Academy is 180 for arts, management, and social science courses and 210 for engineering courses and programmes.
