By Nelson Utip
The Senator Representing Delta North in the Red Chambers of The National Assembly, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has sponsored a bill for the establishment of an additional Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Delta State to address the growing population and security needs of Nigeria.
In a bill titled “Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Defence Academy Establishment Act for the Establishment of an Additional Nigerian Defence Academy in Delta State and for Other Related Matters Senator Nwoko proposed in details thus:
Definitions:
“NDA Kaduna” refers to the existing Nigerian Defence Academy located in Kaduna State.
“NDA Delta” refers to the proposed additional Nigerian Defence Academy to be established in Delta State.
Section 1: Name, Location, and Jurisdiction
1.1 There shall be established an additional Nigerian Defence Academy, to be known as the Nigerian Defence Academy Delta (NDA Delta), situated in Delta State.
1.2
1.3 The jurisdiction of NDA Delta shall be distinct and shall operate in conjunction with NDA Kaduna under the general framework of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
1.4 Section 2: Establishment and Purpose
2.1 The purpose of NDA Delta shall be to train officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in alignment with the mission and objectives of the existing NDA Kaduna.
2.2 NDA Delta shall adhere to academic and military standards prescribed by the National Universities Commission and the Nigerian Armed Forces, respectively.
Section 3: Authority and Oversight
3.1 The establishment, administration, and oversight of NDA Delta shall be under the authority of the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the National Universities Commission and the Armed Forces Council.
3.2 A Governing Board shall be constituted to oversee the operations, finances, and policy direction of NDA Delta, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Armed Forces, academia, and other relevant stakeholders.
Section 4: Admissions, Curriculum, and Degrees
4.1 NDA Delta shall admit candidates based on specified criteria, including academic qualifications, physical fitness, and character evaluation.
4.2 The curriculum of NDA Delta shall include military, academic, and leadership training consistent with the standards set by NDA Kaduna.
4.3 NDA Delta shall have the authority to confer degrees in accordance with the guidelines and regulations stipulated by the National Universities Commission.
Section 5: Infrastructure, Resources, and Staffing
5.1 Adequate funding and resources shall be allocated for the establishment and continuous operation of NDA Delta, including infrastructure, equipment, and training facilities.
5.2 Qualified academic and military personnel shall be recruited for teaching, research, and administration at NDA Delta, adhering to the standards set by the Armed Forces.
5.3 NDA Delta shall have civilian academic staff and military instructors to facilitate a comprehensive educational experience.
Section 6: Operational Guidelines and Conduct
6.1 NDA Delta shall operate under strict military discipline and shall adopt operational guidelines consistent with the Nigerian Armed Forces’ regulations.
6.2 Codes of conduct and disciplinary measures for cadets and staff shall be established, ensuring adherence to military standards and ethos.
Section 7: Reporting and Review
7.1 NDA Delta shall submit annual reports on its activities, academic performance, and infrastructure developments to the Ministry of Defence and the National Universities Commission.
7.2 A periodic review shall be conducted by an independent body to assess the effectiveness, adherence to standards, and overall progress of NDA Delta.
Section 8: Miscellaneous Provisions
8.1 The Ministry of Defence, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, may issue regulations or guidelines necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.
8.2 Any matters not explicitly addressed in this Act shall be determined by the Governing Board of NDA Delta in alignment with the existing laws and regulations.
Section 9: Commencement, Citation, and Short Title 9.1 This Act may be cited as the Nigerian Defence Academy (Establishment of NDA Delta) Act, [Year].
9.2 This Act shall come into force on the date of its passage and signing into law by the appropriate authorities.
The bill wants The Nigerian Defence Academy Establishment Act amended by establishing an additional Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA Delta) in Delta State, to address the need for expanded military education access, considering in the growing population in the country which renders the current single NDA located in Kaduna inadequate as only 441 cadets are selected from over 30,000 applicants for the recent (2023) matriculation, making a second academy a necessity.
Apart from addressing the shortage of qualified personnel for national security needs, the bill aims at stimulating economic growth, provision of leadership training, and fostering national integration, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and secure Nigeria alongside the existing NDA in Kaduna.
