The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede, has urged cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) set to graduate to uphold the oath of duty they will soon swear, by remaining committed to integrity, discipline, and strict adherence to military and civil laws.

General Oluyede gave the charge on Friday, 19 September 2025, while addressing the Passing Out Cadets (POCs) of the 72 Regular Course, Short Service Course 48 (Army), Direct Short Service Course 33 (Air Force), and Branch Commission Course 2 (Air Force) during a Regimental Dinner Night at the NDA Cadets’ Mess, Afaka.

He reminded the cadets that their transition into commissioned officers demands loyalty, focus, motivation, and moral uprightness. “Above all, you must have integrity and discipline. These are the bedrock of the military profession, and they will sustain you throughout your career,” he stressed.

The COAS further charged the cadets to remain physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of military service, as many of them will soon be deployed to various operational theatres across the country. He urged them to place national interest above personal considerations, safeguard lives and property, and defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“There will be difficult and trying times, but you must stand together as brothers-in-arms. Remember that one of the greatest honours is to be a commissioned officer, entrusted to bear arms and defend your country,” he told the cadets.

General Oluyede expressed confidence in the ability of the cadets to excel, attributing it to reforms in the NDA’s training curriculum under the leadership of the Commandant, Major General A.K. Ibrahim, OFR. He commended the Commandant for strengthening training standards to better prepare future officers.

The Army Chief also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continuous support to the military. He thanked the NDA leadership, staff, and instructors for their dedication to producing competent and professional officers.

The Regimental Dinner Night, a long-standing military tradition, was part of activities leading up to the Passing Out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony of the cadets scheduled for Saturday, 27 September 2025.

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