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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

NDA dismisses admission exclusion claims

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) denied reports of prospective candidates being excluded from admission for its 78 Regular Course.
  • The Academy stated its application portal remained accessible throughout the registration period, with deadlines extended to May 15, 2026.
  • Officials emphasized a transparent, merit-based admission process and dismissed claims of preferential treatment or privileged information.

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has refuted claims that prospective candidates were denied admission into its 78 Regular Course due to the closure of its application portal. The Academy's Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, described the allegations as inaccurate and inconsistent with the admission process.

The Academy described the allegations as inaccurate and inconsistent with the realities of its admission process.

— Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, NDA Public Relations OfficerResponding to reports of admission exclusion.

Kovangiya clarified that the application portal remained open throughout the registration period. Applications for the 78 Regular Course opened on November 28, 2025, and were initially set to close on April 30, 2026, before the deadline was extended to May 15, 2026. Candidates who scored 180 or above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and listed the NDA as their first choice were invited to the screening test.

Eligible candidates were sent emails on May 19, 2026, directing them to register for the NDA Screening Test not later than May 24, 2026.

— Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, NDA Public Relations OfficerDetailing the communication process for eligible candidates.

Eligible candidates received emails on May 19, 2026, instructing them to register for the NDA Screening Test by May 24, 2026. The Academy stressed that application procedures, timelines, and requirements were widely publicized through its website, portal, social media, and email communications, ensuring candidates had ample time to complete their registrations. Kovangiya also dismissed allegations of preferential access or privileged information, asserting the NDA's commitment to a transparent, merit-based, and equitable admission process.

The allegation that some candidates received preferential access to registration information or procedures is entirely unfounded.

— Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, NDA Public Relations OfficerDismissing claims of unfair admission practices.

He further explained that the NDA operates a structured, time-bound admission process to ensure effective planning and conduct of screening exercises. Candidates who failed to complete registration within the stipulated timeframe could not be accommodated for the June 20 screening test. The spokesman reaffirmed the Academy's dedication to transparency, fairness, and excellence, urging the public to rely solely on official communication channels for information.

The Academy maintains a transparent, merit-based and equitable admission process that affords all eligible applicants equal opportunity.

— Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, NDA Public Relations OfficerReaffirming the integrity of the NDA's admission system.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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