Many prospective cadets often ask, how much is NDA student salary during their training years. Understanding the financial structure helps set realistic expectations before enrollment.
Cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) receive a structured monthly payment plan. Each NDA cadet earns a total of ₦50,000 per month. However, this entire sum is not handed out in full at once. Instead, ₦36,000 is paid directly to the cadets each month, while the remaining ₦14,000 is reserved as a compulsory savings scheme. This accumulated amount is then disbursed to cadets upon their graduation.
Monthly Stipend Breakdown for NDA Students
Every cadet enrolled at NDA benefits from a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 throughout their academic and military training period. Regardless of their chosen military wing—Army, Navy, or Air Force—the financial remuneration remains consistent for all cadets. From the ₦50,000 total stipend, a sum of ₦36,000 is issued monthly to the cadets, while ₦14,000 is mandatorily saved for post-graduation disbursement.
Previously, the amount disbursed to cadets was slightly less. At that time, cadets received a total monthly stipend of ₦42,000. From this, ₦28,000 was paid to them each month, and ₦14,000 was saved for future release. That saving structure still exists today, although the overall monthly stipend has increased.
If you’re wondering how much is NDA student salary, each cadet currently receives ₦50,000 monthly, although part of this amount is saved and paid out after graduation.
What Happens Financially After Graduation from NDA?
Once cadets successfully complete their training, their time as NDA students officially ends, and so does the cadet stipend. Upon graduation, they are commissioned into the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force, depending on their designated branch of service. This transition comes with an entirely new salary structure.
Graduates of NDA, now fully commissioned officers, start earning between ₦120,000 and ₦150,000 monthly. This amount represents their basic salary, exclusive of any allowances or bonuses. As their ranks increase through promotion, so does their salary. The growth of earnings is tied closely to military rank, years of service, and specialization.
Duration of Training for NDA Cadets
Gaining admission into the NDA is no small feat. It remains one of the most competitive and selective institutions in West Africa. Candidates who get accepted undergo a rigorous military and academic program. The training period varies by service branch.
For Army cadets, training spans five full years. Meanwhile, Air Force and Navy cadets spend four years at the academy. After this initial academic phase, Air Force cadets continue at the 301 Flying Training School, while Navy cadets proceed to the Nigeria Navy College located in Onne, Port-Harcourt. These additional programs complete the training requirements of the respective branches.
Major General IM Yusuf currently serves as the NDA Commandant. His appointment was authorized by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Prior to his appointment as Commandant, Major General Yusuf held the role of NDA Registrar.
Nigerian Defence Academy Historical Background
The Nigerian Defence Academy was founded in February 1964 with the purpose of training young Nigerians for roles within the national armed forces. The establishment of NDA filled the gap left by colonial-era training institutions.
Before NDA came into existence, the Royal Military Forces Training College (RMFTC) served as the key training facility. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, RMFTC was renamed the Nigeria Military Training College (NMTC). The initial cohort of cadets totaled 62, with a significant portion coming from the Indian Army.
Transition to an All-Nigerian Staff
February 1964 marked the official renaming of the institution to the Nigerian Defence Academy. Initially, Indian officers continued to form the backbone of the academy’s staff. Brigadier M.R. Verma of the Indian Army became the first official Commandant under the NDA name. The instructional approach and structure remained closely modeled after the Indian NDA for some time.
In 1978, a milestone was reached as the NDA transitioned to an entirely Nigerian staff. Major General David Ejoor was the first Nigerian to hold the post of Commandant. His leadership tenure extended from 1969 to 1971.
Location and Campuses of the NDA
The Nigerian Defence Academy is situated in Kaduna State, located in Nigeria’s northern region. It comprises two main campuses: the Afaka campus and the Ribadu campus. These campuses host academic buildings, military training grounds, and cadet accommodations.
Nigeria has only two military universities: the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Borno State. Among these, NDA stands as the more established institution for officer training and academic excellence.
Education and Professional Development at NDA
NDA focuses on a broad-based approach to military education. Cadets receive a mix of academic instruction and physical training aimed at developing leadership, ethical conduct, and discipline. The program ensures that all officer cadets meet the expectations required of a commissioned officer in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In 1985, NDA began offering undergraduate degrees alongside military training. The institution later expanded to offer Master’s and Ph.D. programs available to both military and civilian students. These programs are designed to foster academic excellence and deeper subject-matter expertise.
Inclusion of Female Cadets
A landmark change took place in 2010 when former President Goodluck Jonathan authorized the inclusion of female cadets into the Nigerian Defence Academy. The following year, in 2011, the first group of female cadets was enrolled. This cohort became famously known as the “Jonathan Queens.”
Their admission marked a progressive step towards gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s military educational institutions. Since then, the number of female cadets has steadily grown, and they now serve in various capacities across the military.
Finally
To summarize how much is NDA student salary, the current structure includes a ₦36,000 monthly stipend and ₦14,000 in savings for each cadet, totaling ₦50,000 per month.
Once they graduate and receive their commission, cadets transition from students to full officers, beginning with an initial salary in the range of ₦120,000 to ₦150,000. Their earning potential grows as they climb the military ranks.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
