The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), are set to be among the distinguished guests at the golden jubilee celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course Alumni.
In a statement released by the President of the 18 Regular Course Alumni, Air Commodore Isaac Olufemi Oguntuyi (rtd), the event—scheduled for July 4—was described as a milestone that pays tribute to patriotism, leadership, and the lasting influence of one of the most remarkable NDA cohorts in Nigerian military history.
“This is more than just a reunion; it’s a national reflection on what can be achieved through unity, sacrifice, and enduring leadership,” Oguntuyi stated. “With the presence of respected figures like the Sultan of Sokoto and General Ihejirika, the gathering will showcase how institutions like the NDA can uphold their founding ideals.”
Oguntuyi, who has led the alumni association since 2006, recalled the group’s formation on June 30, 1975, when 149 cadets from various backgrounds came together at NDA Kaduna for rigorous training, shaping them into outstanding military leaders.
He reflected on the sacrifices made, including the loss of Cadet C.O. Okupa during a training session and the tragic 1992 Ejigbo C-130 air crash, which took the lives of many. Only 47 members of the original cohort remain today—a sobering reminder of the price of service and the passage of time.
“Despite these losses, the contributions of Course 18 members have left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s military, social, political, and spiritual life,” he noted.
Oguntuyi added that in a time when Nigeria faces ongoing security and unity challenges, the story of Course 18 offers inspiration.
“It proves that from modest beginnings and through discipline and service, a group of young cadets can rise to help shape a nation’s destiny,” he said.
Course 18 includes many distinguished alumni, such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who serves as Grand Patron of the association, and Lt.-Gen. Ihejirika (rtd), among other officers who attained the rank of Major General or its equivalent in the Navy and Air Force.
The Sultan, who retired as a Brigadier General, was appointed Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Since then, he has become a leading voice for peace and interfaith dialogue in Nigeria.
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