NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY DENIES REPORTS OF PORTAL CLOSURE FOR 78 REGULAR COURSE APPLICANTS

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has dismissed reports circulating in some media outlets claiming that prospective candidates for the 78 Regular Course were unable to complete their registration due to the sudden closure or inaccessibility of the Academy’s admission portal.

In an official statement released by the Academy, the NDA described the allegations as inaccurate and misleading, emphasizing that the admission process was conducted in a transparent, fair, and well-publicized manner.

According to the Academy, the application portal for the 78 Regular Course was officially opened on November 28, 2025, and remained accessible until April 30, 2026. To further accommodate interested applicants, the registration deadline was later extended to May 15, 2026, giving candidates additional time to complete their applications.

The NDA explained that all eligible candidates who scored 180 and above in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and selected the Academy as their first-choice institution were notified through official email communications. These candidates received instructions on May 19, 2026, regarding registration for the NDA Screening Test and were required to complete the process on or before May 24, 2026.

The Academy further noted that information concerning application requirements, registration procedures, deadlines, and screening guidelines was made available through several official channels. These included the NDA official website, the admission portal, social media platforms, and direct email notifications sent to applicants.

Addressing claims that some candidates allegedly received privileged information ahead of others, the Academy firmly rejected the allegation. It stressed that its admission process is strictly merit-based and designed to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants. The NDA maintained that no individual or group was granted special access, preferential treatment, or advance information during the registration exercise.

The Academy also highlighted that candidates were provided with sufficient time to complete every stage of the admission process, including generating Remita Retrieval References (RRRs), paying application fees, and submitting application forms. Throughout the application period, applicants were repeatedly encouraged to monitor official communication channels for important updates and announcements.

The NDA reiterated that its admission process follows a structured and time-bound schedule to ensure the effective planning and successful conduct of screening and selection exercises. As a result, candidates who failed to complete the required registration procedures within the approved timeline cannot be accommodated for the Screening Test scheduled to hold on June 20, 2026.

While reaffirming its commitment to transparency, fairness, and excellence, the Academy advised prospective candidates, parents, and members of the public to rely only on information released through its official platforms and to disregard unverified reports from unofficial sources.

The statement was signed by Major Reuben Kovangiya, Academy Public Relations Officer, who reassured stakeholders that the Nigerian Defence Academy remains dedicated to maintaining the integrity and credibility of its admission process.