The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to deepen the training of cadets to match the realities of modern warfare. He gave this charge during a courtesy visit by the NDA Commandant, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, November 26, 2025.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the COAS said cadet training must now focus on discipline, character, courage, strategic thinking and strong leadership. He stressed that the NDA must evolve with the changing nature of global and local security threats.
General Shaibu also highlighted the importance of strengthening key research centres in the academy, especially the Department of Military Science. He said boosting military research is essential for improving Nigeria’s Defence Industry, encouraging local innovation and building a self-reliant, technologically advanced fighting force.
In another report by Mediaplusng.com, the COAS pushed for a full curriculum review that reflects today’s security environment. He noted that young officers must be trained in night operations, physical fitness, artificial intelligence and other emerging warfare skills. These improvements, he added, support his Command Philosophy: “To advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”
General Shaibu assured the NDA leadership of his full support to deliver these reforms. He said the goal is to produce officers who are confident, disciplined and capable of responding to Nigeria’s fast-evolving security needs.
In his remarks, Major General Olatoye congratulated the COAS on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the NDA as the “training factory” for future military leaders and promised to build on past achievements. He also appealed for continuous support to help the academy deliver on its mandate of producing competent and professional officers for the nation.
