By Gabriel Ameh (Media360Impact)
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, has a new Commandant as Major General Oluyemi Olatoye officially assumed office as the 34th Commandant of the prestigious military institution. The handing and taking over ceremony was held on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking the formal transition of leadership following the redeployment of senior officers within the Nigerian Army.
Major General Olatoye takes over from Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, who is bowing out of service after 33 years of distinguished and meritorious service to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). The ceremony, held at the NDA’s Loyalty Hall, featured the traditional lowering and hoisting of flags at the Academy’s Quarter Guard, symbolizing the seamless transfer of command. The event was attended by top military officers, staff, cadets, and invited dignitaries.
In his farewell address, the outgoing Commandant, Major General Ibrahim, described his successor as “a disciplined, professional, and thoroughbred Infantry officer with vast experience and strategic insight.” He expressed confidence that Major General Olatoye would sustain and expand the legacy of excellence for which the NDA is renowned.
He highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including infrastructural expansion, enhanced cadet discipline and regimentation, strengthened security architecture, and a transparent, merit-driven cadet selection process. According to him, these reforms have ensured that “the Academy continues to produce competent, committed, and professional junior commanders for the Armed Forces.”
Expressing gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the military high command, Major General Ibrahim thanked both the military and civilian staff of the Academy for their loyalty and cooperation during his tenure. He urged them to extend the same support to his successor.
In his inaugural speech, the new Commandant, Major General Olatoye, expressed appreciation to God and the military authorities for the opportunity to lead an institution he described as “the cradle of my military journey.”
“It is with great delight and humility that I assume duty today as the 34th Commandant of this noble Academy,” he stated. “I sincerely thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for finding me worthy of this appointment.”
Paying tribute to his predecessor, Olatoye described Major General Ibrahim as “a visionary leader and mentor whose dedication to excellence and discipline has left an indelible mark on this institution.”
Reaffirming his commitment to continuity and excellence, Major General Olatoye pledged to sustain the NDA’s core values of discipline, academic distinction, and military professionalism. “My duty is clear—to build upon the solid foundation already laid. The Academy’s standards must not drop. Together, we will uphold the NDA’s reputation as a centre of excellence for officer training,” he declared.
Quoting former Australian Army Chief, Lieutenant General David Morrison (rtd), he noted, “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” underscoring his resolve to maintain the Academy’s high standards and institutional integrity.
He called on both staff and cadets to embrace teamwork, innovation, and commitment in advancing the Academy’s mission. “The success of this Academy depends on our collective effort. I count on your advice, support, and cooperation as we take the NDA to greater heights,” he added.
Major General Olatoye, a member of the 41 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, is an accomplished Infantry officer with a distinguished military career. He has held several key command and staff appointments, including Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu; and Commander, Joint Task Force (South East), Operation UDO KA.
With his extensive operational experience, administrative acumen, and strategic leadership, Major General Olatoye is expected to bring renewed focus, innovation, and professionalism to the NDA’s mission of producing disciplined, well-trained, and intellectually grounded officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria
Mohammed Maidawa, Major
Academy Public Relations Officer
10 November 2025
