The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General AK Ibrahim, OFR, has reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the French Military Academy, École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM), in the areas of military education, leadership development, and language exchange.
He stated this on Tuesday during a visit by the Commandant of ESM, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Charpy, to the NDA Headquarters in Afaka, Kaduna.
The visit, which also had in attendance the French Defence Attaché, Colonel Stephane Uséo, and senior officers Colonel Bertrand Peytavin and Lieutenant Colonel Raphaël Chauvancy, was aimed at deepening the existing partnership between both institutions and exploring new areas of cooperation.
Read Also: Defence Headquarters Denies Coup Rumour
Major General Ibrahim noted that international collaboration enhances cadet exposure and operational efficiency, especially as Nigeria shares borders with several Francophone countries. He emphasized the importance of French language proficiency in facilitating cross-border military operations and peacekeeping engagements.
Tracing the Academy’s history, General Ibrahim disclosed that the NDA has produced over 20,000 officers, including about 500 from allied African countries. He added that the institution currently trains cadets from 14 foreign nations, reinforcing its role as a regional hub for military education and leadership development.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Charpy praised the NDA’s comprehensive training structure and academic excellence, describing the visit as an avenue to share ideas and strengthen cooperation in cadet training, leadership, and cultural exchange.
“The ESM and the NDA share a similar mission to build leaders of character and competence. This visit marks another step toward deepening the bridge of collaboration between our institutions,” General Charpy said.
The French delegation was briefed by the Director of Military Training, Brigadier General T. Ahmed, and later toured the French Language Laboratory, the NDA Hall of Fame, and various training sessions, including obstacle drills and physical fitness exercises by cadets.
The visit concluded with a Gala Night in honour of the French delegation, featuring cultural performances and a vote of thanks by the Deputy Commandant, Air Vice Marshal A. Abdulkadir, who expressed appreciation to both commandants for their commitment to strengthening bilateral military relations.
Other highlights of the visit included a Quarter Guard inspection, signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs.
