The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has refuted allegations that some candidates were unfairly excluded from admission into its 78th Regular Course due to the closure of its application portal.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Reuben Kovangiya, described the claims as misleading and inconsistent with the established admission process of the institution.
According to Kovangiya, the NDA application portal remained fully operational throughout the registration period. He explained that applications for the 78th Regular Course commenced on November 28, 2025, and were initially scheduled to close on April 30, 2026, before the deadline was extended to May 15, 2026.
He noted that candidates who scored 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and selected the NDA as their first-choice institution were invited to participate in the next stage of the admission process.
Kovangiya disclosed that eligible candidates received email notifications on May 19, 2026, directing them to register for the NDA Screening Test on or before May 24, 2026.
He stated that all admission requirements, registration procedures, and timelines were extensively publicised through the Academy’s official website, application portal, social media platforms, and email communications.
The NDA spokesman emphasized that applicants were given sufficient time to complete all registration requirements, including generating Remita Retrieval References (RRRs), making necessary payments, and submitting their applications.
He further revealed that candidates were repeatedly advised to monitor the Academy’s official communication channels for updates and important notices regarding the admission process.
Addressing allegations of preferential treatment, Kovangiya firmly denied claims that certain candidates were granted privileged access to registration information or admission procedures.
He maintained that the Academy operates a transparent, merit-based, and equitable admission system that provides equal opportunities to all qualified applicants.
“The allegation that some candidates received preferential access to registration information or procedures is entirely unfounded. The Academy maintains a transparent, merit-based and equitable admission process that affords all eligible applicants equal opportunity,” he stated.
Kovangiya explained that the NDA follows a structured and time-bound admission process to ensure proper planning and smooth conduct of its screening exercises.
He added that candidates who failed to complete their registration within the approved timeframe could not be accommodated for the screening test scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The Academy reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and excellence in its admission process and urged members of the public to rely solely on information released through its official communication channels.
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