NDA Commandant, General Ibrahim calls for stronger Collaboration with the French Military Academy

From Abdullahi .A Chakwa, Gusau

The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General AK Ibrahim, has reaffirmed NDA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with French Military Academy, École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, (ESM) particularly in the areas of military education, leadership development, and language exchange.

General Ibrahim made this known during the visit of the Commandant of the ESM, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Charpy to the NDA Headquarters, Mando Afaka, Kaduna.

The high-level visit, which also include the French Defence Attaché, Colonel Stephane Uséo, and two senior officers, Colonel Bertrand Peytavin and Lieutenant Colonel Raphaël Chauvancy, was aimed at deepening existing ties between both institutions and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

In his address, the NDA Commandant Major General Ibrahim expressed his appreciation for the long-standing cooperation between the two countries.

“The Institutions share a common mission of nurturing disciplined, skilled, and visionary military leaders. Gen. Ibrahim said.

A statement by Major Mohammed Maidawa the Academy Public Relations Officer said, NDA places a high premium on international cooperation.

“The cooperation provides our cadets and officers with a broader perspective on leadership and operational excellence,” Maj. Maidawa said.

“Nigeria, being a country with French speaking neighboring countries has made it imperative for members of the armed forces to have a working knowledge of the French language to aid interaction especially during joint operations. The statement read.

General Ibrahim further noted that sustained engagement with the French Military Academy remains vital in enhancing training standards and fostering mutual understanding between the two countries.

Gen. Ibrahim traced the over 6 decades history of NDA , stating that over 20,000 officers have graduated from the academy mainly Nigerians but with about 500 from Allied countries in Africa and beyond.

He added that, the academy currently has allied cadets from 14 countries undergoing training.

Earlier, Lieutenant General Charpy commended the NDA for its robust training structure and academic programmes.

General Charpy described the visit as an opportunity to exchange ideas and identify areas of mutual benefit, particularly in cadet training, language immersion, and leadership development.

“The ESM and the NDA share a similar mission to build leaders of character and competence. This visit marks another step toward strengthening the bridge of cooperation between our institutions,” General Charpy stated.

The Director of Military Training (DMT), Brigadier General T Ahmed, briefed the delegation on the NDA’s training structure and evolving curriculum, designed to produce disciplined, intellectually sound, and combat-ready officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

As part of the visit, the French delegation undertook a guided tour to the French Language Laboratory and the NDA Hall of Fame.

The delegations further observed practical training period, such as a drill by Fifth Term cadets and Physical Training period, an obstacle-crossing by Fourth Term cadets, showcasing the Academy’s emphasis on physical fitness, endurance, and teamwork.