NDA Opens 78th Regular Course Admission 2026/2027: Five-Year Training

Akahi News learnt that the Nigerian Defence Academy has opened applications for the 78th Regular Course in Kaduna. Both male and female Nigerians can apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. The application window runs from Friday, 28th November 2025 to 15th May 2026.

The offer is open to Nigerian males and females who meet the set conditions. All successful Regular Course cadets will train within the Academy, and the Federal Government of Nigeria will handle training costs, administration, and logistics. Cadets do not pay for schooling while undergoing training—a benefit that many students find incredibly helpful.

When the government offers five years of free education, military training, and a guaranteed commission into the armed forces, why do many young Nigerians hesitate? Perhaps because the path is demanding. Perhaps because the standards are high. But for those who make it, the reward is immeasurable.

Five Years of Training, Honours Degree, and Presidential Commission

Akahi News gathered that admitted candidates will take part in both military and academic training for five years. At the end of the programme, graduates earn an honours degree such as BSc, BEng, or BA, depending on their field. They also receive a Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

It is a long road, yes, but many past cadets say the structure helps shape discipline early. The NDA is not for the faint-hearted. It is for those who are ready to trade comfort for purpose, and ease for excellence.

It was alleged that to qualify for the 78th Regular Course, candidates must meet several conditions: be medically and physically fit with good moral conduct; be single, male or female, with no legal duty to support a child or another person; present a valid Certificate of Indigeneship from a state or local government; be 17 years old and not above 21 years by August 2026; have at least five O’level credits at not more than two sittings, including English Language, Mathematics, and three subjects related to the chosen course; have written the UTME and reached the approved national cut-off score set by JAMB; and meet the height rule: 1.68 metres for males and 1.65 metres for females.

Any background in French, Arabic, or Mandarin counts as an added point. In a world where global security threats require multilingual operatives, the NDA is looking ahead.

How to Apply: N7,000 Access Code, JAMB First Choice, and Screening Test

Applicants are to visit the NDA application portal at http://www.ndaapplications.net and select “Purchase Access Code.” Payment of N7,000 is made through REMITA. Only payments made with an RRR code generated from the portal will count.

After payment, candidates should complete the online form carefully and read all instructions provided. Applicants must also apply through JAMB, select NDA as first choice, and sit for the UTME. Completed forms must be submitted online with scanned copies of SSCE, NECO, or equivalent results. After submission, candidates should download and keep the Acknowledgement Form. Some students forget this part and later regret it.

Only candidates who meet the admission rules and score 210 for Engineering courses or 180 for other faculties in UTME will be allowed to print the Screening Test Admission Card and attend the test.

The NDA Screening Test, which serves as Phase One of the Post-UTME, is scheduled for Saturday, 6th June 2026. Candidates are expected to come with their Acknowledgement Form, Screening Test Admission Card, JAMB result slip, and two postcard-sized photographs (3.5 x 5 inches). The photos should show the chest upwards. At the back, candidates must write their name, exam number, state, exam centre, course, and add a signature.

Only candidates who pass this stage will be invited for the Armed Forces Selection Board, which is Phase Two. After that, the list of admitted candidates will be released.

Akahi News had earlier reported on the increasing competition for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The NDA offers a unique pathway: free education, military discipline, and a guaranteed career in the armed forces. For young Nigerians who are physically fit, academically sound, and morally upright, this is an opportunity that should not be ignored.

It is not a child’s play to commit to five years of military and academic training. But for those who complete the programme, they emerge not just with a degree, but with a rank, a commission, and a career that serves the nation.

The NDA provides a Compendium of Past Questions and Answers for interested applicants at a small fee. This can be purchased from the Registry, NDA. Many candidates find it useful for practice, though it takes steady reading.

The deadline is 15th May 2026. The screening test is 6th June 2026. The window is open. The nation is watching. Will you answer the call?

Key Summary Box

What is open: Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, has opened applications for the 78th Regular Course for the 2026/2027 session.
Application period: Friday, 28th November 2025 to 15th May 2026.
Training duration: Five years of combined military and academic training.
Benefits: Free tuition, federal government covers training costs, graduates earn an honours degree (BSc, BEng, or BA) and receive a Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Key requirements: Age 17-21 by August 2026; single; five O’level credits including English and Maths; UTME score of 210 for Engineering, 180 for other faculties; height: 1.68m (male), 1.65m (female).
How to apply: Visit http://www.ndaapplications.net, purchase access code for N7,000 via REMITA, complete online form, select NDA as first choice in JAMB.
Screening test date: Saturday, 6th June 2026.
Why it matters to Nigerian youths: The NDA offers a rare combination of free quality education, military discipline, and a guaranteed career path in the armed forces.
Bottom line: The application portal is open. The deadline is 15th May 2026. Five years of training. A degree. A commission. A life of service. Are you ready?