By Oluwakemi Kindness
Stakeholders on Tuesday strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Act that seeks to grant automatic admission to graduates of military secondary schools, warning that the move could undermine merit, fairness, and constitutional principles.
The position was made at the day two of a public hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, chaired by Rep. Babajimi Benson, where four defence-related bills were considered.
One of the key proposals, contained in Bill HB.1709, seeks to amend the NDA Act to give graduates of Nigerian military schools automatic admission or “right of first refusal” into the academy.
NDA Raises Strong Objection
Presenting the position of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Brigadier General Taiye Ahmed, Director of Military Training, said the proposal would alter existing admission rules and introduce preferential treatment for military school graduates.
He explained that the amendment seeks to modify Section 8(2) of the NDA Act to allow automatic admission for successful graduates of military secondary schools.
The justification, according to proponents, is to prevent such graduates from being influenced by non-state violent actors due to their military background.
Concerns Over Fairness and Constitutionality
However, the NDA firmly rejected the proposal, warning that it could undermine the federal character principle and disrupt equal representation across the country.
Ahmed said the current admission system ensures balance across all 36 states and the FCT, adding that the proposed amendment could create legal and structural challenges.
He also warned that the bill could be challenged for being discriminatory against candidates who did not attend military schools.
According to him, merit-based selection remains central to NDA admissions.
Admission Must Remain Competitive” — NDA
Ahmed stressed that admission into the NDA is strictly competitive and based on merit, including JAMB scores as well as medical, psychological, and physical standards.
He added that civilian candidates often perform better than some military school graduates during selection.
“The NDA selects the best candidates irrespective of the secondary school they attended,” he said.
Existing Opportunities for Military School Graduates
The NDA also noted that graduates of military secondary schools already have multiple pathways into the Armed Forces.
These include enlistment as soldiers immediately after graduation and opportunities to apply later for short service commission, direct short service commission, or executive commission during their careers.
Ahmed maintained that the existing structure already provides equal opportunity for all applicants.
Other Defence Bills Under Review
The committee also considered other bills seeking to:
* Establish a Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre
* Create an Armed Forces Medical College in Abuja
* Upgrade the National Defence College into a postgraduate degree-awarding institution and strategic research centre
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, commended stakeholders for their contributions.
“This is the people’s parliament. The contributions have been worthwhile,” he said.
