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LASUBEB Pensioners Appeal for Payment of Arrears, Thank Board

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LASUBEB Pensioners Appeal for Payment of Arrears, Thank Board

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has celebrated septuagenarian pensioners who served the board, recognizing their lasting impact on the state’s education system.

The leadership of LASUBEB emphasized that these retirees played a critical role in laying the foundation for the State Universal Basic Education Board, which continues to benefit the younger generation.

Toyeebat Olona, Director of Pensions at LASUBEB, highlighted the value of their service during the event. “Today, we honour a remarkable group of individuals who retired more than a decade ago, yet whose contributions continue to inspire and whose legacies remain deeply woven into the fabric of our community,” she said.

The State Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, encouraged the pensioners to remain in touch with the board. He noted that their knowledge and experience are still vital to the growth of the education sector. An executive also remarked, “What we are managing today in service are the foundations that you have laid for us to work on.”

Shittu added, “Experience is the best teacher and we are open to learning from you. We can’t do it the way we are doing it.” His statement stressed the importance of continuous collaboration between current administrators and retirees.

Representatives of the pensioners expressed gratitude to the state government for recognizing their efforts. They commended LASUBEB’s leadership and appealed for the payment of their consequential arrears, which they said would help reduce the economic challenges facing many senior citizens. “We thank the Board Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, for this great honouring of senior citizens and also we thank the board members for appreciating us,” one representative said.

LASUBEB assured the pensioners that the recognition of their contributions will continue. The retirees remain hopeful that their arrears will soon be paid, offering much-needed financial relief during current economic difficulties.

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FG Trains Enumerators on Digital Tools to Enroll 500,000 Out-of-School Learners

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FG Trains Enumerators on Digital Tools to Enroll 500,000 Out-of-School Learners

August 19, 2025 – The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has begun a two-day training for enumerators on automated data collection tools aimed at reducing the high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Speaking at the training in Abuja on Tuesday, the Acting Executive Secretary of NMEC, Dr John Onimisi, explained that the programme is designed to return more than 500,000 learners to classrooms in the first phase.

He said enumerators will capture data on youths aged 15 years and above who dropped out of school or never had the chance to continue their education.

“Our target is to ensure that these learners are enrolled in non-formal learning centres and are able to complete the programme successfully. Some may also transit to vocational programmes after completion,” Onimisi said.

He stressed that the initiative focuses not only on literacy but also on vocational training, to help young people gain employable skills and reduce unemployment.

The programme will cover all 774 local government areas in the country.

So far, 376 enumerators from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been on-boarded, while 250 facilitators will support the exercise in Abuja.

Onimisi further explained that monitoring would be conducted in real-time through a dashboard connected to the National Identity Management System. This will allow proper tracking and follow-up of learners across Nigeria.

“This is the first time since the 2010 National Literacy Survey that NMEC will be conducting such a large-scale data exercise, and the delay has largely been due to funding constraints,” he said.

He noted that the literacy programme would run in phases, with the first cycle lasting between six to nine months, depending on the number of contact hours. He commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Universal Basic Education Commission for supporting the intervention. According to him, this is a renewed government commitment to addressing Nigeria’s literacy gaps.

The Director of Programmes at NMEC, Mr Samuel Aziba, also highlighted the importance of the training, saying that it would help enumerators make use of digital devices for accurate data collection. He added that pilot testing would start in four locations within the FCT before the nationwide rollout.

NMEC has revealed that Nigeria has more than 30 million non-literate adults as of 2021, making the programme a critical step in tackling education challenges and expanding access to both literacy and vocational training opportunities.

PPSMB Explains Posting ADSUBEB Transferred Teachers to 21 LGAs

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PPSMB Explains Posting ADSUBEB Transferred Teachers to 21 LGAs

The Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) in Adamawa State has addressed growing concerns over the recent transfer and posting of teachers across all 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The clarification was given by the Acting Executive Secretary of PPSMB, Mr. Birsan Penuel, during an interview with ATV Yola.

Mr. Penuel explained that the transfers were initiated by the Adamawa State Civil Service Commission and were not arbitrary. According to him, the move was a response to urgent staffing needs in both junior and senior secondary schools.

“This action has come as a result of the gaps that exist within remote areas. We want to fill the gaps in the schools that have no teachers,” he stated.

He stressed that teachers whose services have been transferred to PPSMB do not have the right to choose their posting locations. He explained that it is the responsibility of the Board to determine where the need is greatest.

“Anyone that wishes to transfer his or her service to the Board has no rights to decide where he or she should be posted. The Board posts based on the need, and these fellows must work in accordance with the conditions of the Board, not the other way around,” he said.

Mr. Penuel also dismissed rumours that the policy was meant to break up families or cause financial hardship. Instead, he emphasized that the aim is to balance the distribution of teachers, particularly in underserved rural areas where children are left without qualified staff.

“We need them to fill the existing gaps in our classrooms, which is the reason why the Board accepted their transfers in the first place. Otherwise, we would have remained silent,” he added.

The Executive Secretary expressed concern over reports that some teachers have refused to resume at their new postings. He warned that civil service rules are clear on such issues and must be respected.

“Many of them don’t want to report at all but are instead insisting they won’t go. To me, that means they’re not interested in the job,” he stated.

He appealed to the affected teachers to look beyond personal comfort and focus on the needs of children in rural communities.

“It is the duty of the Board to ensure that future leaders in remote areas share the same educational experience with their peers in the cities,” he said.

Speaking on the duration of postings, Mr. Penuel revealed that a new policy is being developed to limit postings to a maximum of three years. After this period, teachers may be rotated to other locations, giving them an opportunity for a fair spread of service across different areas.

He went on to commend Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his strong investment in the education sector. According to him, the governor’s plan to recruit 5,000 additional teachers will help address the shortage and improve learning outcomes in the state.

“We must commend His Excellency for his vision in making education compulsory for school-age children. During my supervisory visits, I discovered some rural schools with only the principals and no teachers. Meanwhile, schools in the cities have up to 36 teachers, with some being redundant,” he explained.

Mr. Penuel concluded by urging teachers to view their work as a service to humanity and an opportunity to shape future generations.

“Teaching is a noble service. Teachers should not focus solely on what they can gain, but rather on the impact they can make. Even the NYSC members are concentrated in the cities—we must change this trend,” he said.

The PPSMB assured residents that every child in Adamawa State, regardless of location, will have access to quality education under its policies.

FG Begins Free Distribution of 1.3 Million Meters for Band A

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FG Begins Free Distribution of 1.3 Million Meters for Band A

The federal government has begun distributing new prepaid meters for Band A electricity customers across the country.

The initiative falls under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Scheme, which is funded by a World Bank loan aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electricity distribution network through the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Under this scheme, 1.3 million meters will be distributed to Band A customers, leaving out customers on other service bands. According to the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED Plc), 109,000 prepaid meters will be given out and installed free of charge for customers connected to Band A feeders within its coverage areas.

In a statement released yesterday, JED Plc explained that the free metering exercise is intended to bridge the metering gap and improve electricity service delivery in its franchise states of Bauchi, Benue, Gombe, and Plateau. A pilot phase of the programme has already started in Plateau State.

The company emphasized that the meters will only be provided to unmetered customers currently on Band A feeders and will also be used to replace faulty meters. However, the scheme will not cover new electricity connections.

The statement clarified that, “The scheme will not cover New Connections as all new connections must apply via the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme and no direct connection on Band A feeders will be allowed.”

JED Plc further stressed that the DISREP meters are completely free, warning customers not to pay anyone for either the meters or their installation.

“Any customer who makes such payments does so at their own risk, as the company will not be liable for any loss incurred. Fraud-related complaints should be reported, with evidence, to our communication channels,” the company added.

The prepaid meters being distributed under the scheme are designed with advanced technology to improve efficiency and transparency. The features include automated token uploads that eliminate the need for manual entries through the User Interface Unit, geo-lock functionality that ensures each meter only works at its assigned GPS location, and real-time monitoring of energy consumption.

JED Plc stated that alerts will be sent when tokens are exhausted or when prolonged non-purchase occurs.

The meters also come with tamper and bypass detection systems. In the event of interference, instant notifications are sent to JED Plc. Customers benefiting from the free meters are advised to visit the nearest JED Plc office after installation to validate their debt profile.

This development marks the second free metering scheme introduced specifically for Band A customers since the federal government removed electricity subsidies for that category in April 2024. Earlier, a scheme known as the Meters Acquisition Fund (MAF) was introduced.

It was funded through deductions from revenues of electricity Distribution Companies. According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC), 41,855 meters were installed in the first phase of MAF, with N21 billion generated from the fund.

Speaking on the current programme, Barr. Bode Fadipe, CEO of Sage Consulting & Communications, noted that advertorials for the scheme made it clear that the DISREP meters are reserved for Band A users alone. He explained, “The implications are quite clear.

First is that under the DISREP, end users in other Bands – B-D will not benefit from it. There is therefore a delineation. The target figure is 109,000 customers who may have been prelisted when the proposal was made.”

Fadipe further acknowledged that while the plan is understandable, ensuring strict compliance might be difficult due to the realities of the electricity business. “Substantial compliance is however needed in order to ensure the success of the program,” he said.

He also raised questions about the fate of unmetered customers in other bands. “If unmetered customers in Band A can get free meters, the question that begs for answer is: what is the reason behind the exclusion of customers in other Bands? Is it because Band A customers pay a higher tariff? The second question has to do with the fate of fresh Band A customers that have been excluded from the scheme,” he added.

The DISREP metering scheme, with its free prepaid meters and advanced technology, is expected to improve customer confidence in electricity billing and reduce cases of estimated billing in Nigeria’s power sector.

However, concerns remain over the exclusion of other categories of electricity consumers.

FG to Empower 27,000 in Jigawa with Capital, Training, Others

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FG to Empower 27,000 in Jigawa with Capital, Training, Others

The Federal Government has announced plans to empower at least 27,000 young people in Jigawa State with capital, starter packs, and technical training to help them build sustainable businesses.

President Bola Tinubu revealed this in a message delivered by Governor Umar Namadi during a citizens’ engagement programme in Ringim Local Government Area.

According to the announcement, the initiative will not be limited to Jigawa alone. The programme is designed to cover all 774 local government areas across Nigeria, targeting more than 770,000 youth nationwide. Officials explained that the youth empowerment scheme will reduce poverty, strengthen small businesses, boost local economies, and contribute to improved national security.

Governor Namadi emphasized Jigawa’s growing importance in agriculture. He noted that the state is already Nigeria’s leading producer of wheat, sesame, hibiscus, and gum Arabic. “By 2030, Jigawa aims to produce half of the country’s rice needs,” the governor stated.

To meet this target, the state government has launched a mechanisation company in partnership with the private sector. Sixty service centres have been established, each equipped with tractors, harvesters, and other modern farming implements.

All equipment is tracked with GPS for transparency. Farmers can book services online or through local agents, giving them easier access to agricultural technology.

Governor Namadi explained that his 12-point development agenda is already producing results, with Jigawa positioned as a key contributor to national food security.

The youth empowerment initiative, he added, will create new jobs, lift households out of poverty, and support Nigeria’s wider economic growth strategy.

FG Releases Admission List for 80 Federal Unity Colleges

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FG Releases Admission List for 80 Federal Unity Colleges

August 18, 2025 – The Federal Ministry of Education has officially released admissions into 80 Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria.

In a statement signed on Monday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, it was confirmed that the current admission process covers 80 conventional Federal Unity Colleges for Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1).

The release added that admission into the remaining 42 Federal Technical Colleges under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme will be announced later.

The statement explained that the admission process is now fully automated, a step described as a major milestone in improving transparency, efficiency, and effective capacity management in secondary school placements.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, highlighted the significance of this reform. He stated, “This reform guarantees fairness, operational efficiency, and sustained quality in our Federal Unity Colleges.”

According to him, the automation of admissions eliminates previous issues of overstretched facilities and ensures that every placement stays within the approved capacity of each school.

Supporting this view, the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadri, described the new system as a game-changer. She said, “The new system ensures that admission aligns with each school’s capacity, creating a better learning environment for students.”

The ministry emphasized that the reform is designed to streamline the admission process, improve accountability, and raise the standards of secondary school education nationwide.

How to check:

It also noted that parents, guardians, and students should check admission results on the Ministry’s official website: www.education.gov.ng.

The statement further assured the public that the Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to delivering quality education and maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all Nigerian children.

FG Begins Automated Admissions into 80 Federal Unity Colleges

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FG Begins Automated Admissions into 80 Federal Unity Colleges

August 18, 2025 – The Federal Ministry of Education has announced that admissions into Federal Unity Colleges nationwide are now open, following the full automation of the process aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and capacity management in secondary school placements.

The reform was introduced by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, who emphasized that the new system is designed to end the challenges caused by overstretched facilities.

“This reform guarantees fairness, operational efficiency, and sustained quality in our Federal Unity Colleges,” Dr. Alausa stated.

According to the Ministry, the current phase of admissions covers 80 conventional Federal Unity Colleges for JSS1 intake, while admission into the remaining 42 Federal Technical Colleges under the TVET programme will be released at a later date.

The Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadri, described the automation as a significant breakthrough in education reform. “The new system ensures that admissions are strictly aligned with school capacity, creating a better learning environment for students,” she explained.

Officials noted that the automation of the admission process is expected to streamline placement into schools, enhance accountability, and sustain high standards across Federal Unity Colleges. This move also supports parents and guardians by reducing delays and ensuring that students are placed fairly and within the available resources.

Parents, guardians, and students can check admission results by visiting the Ministry’s official website at www.education.gov.ng.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to providing quality education in safe and conducive environments for Nigerian children nationwide.

Gombe to Partner Centre for Gender Studies on Girl-Child Education

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Gombe to Partner Centre for Gender Studies on Girl-Child Education

August 19, 2025 – The Commissioner of Higher Education in Gombe State, Muhammad Shetima Gadam, has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with the Centre for Gender Studies to promote education, gender equality, and community development. Gadam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Builder Ahmed Sa’eed Guli, gave this assurance when a delegation from the Centre, led by its Director, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Kumo, paid a courtesy visit to his office.

Guli welcomed the team and appreciated the Centre for reaching out to the ministry. He encouraged them to take awareness campaigns beyond formal platforms, saying that using stickers and other publicity methods would help reach rural communities effectively.

He emphasized that grassroots engagement is vital in achieving sustainable development goals and promoting inclusive education.

During the visit, the Director of Administration and Finance, Joab Lapips, commended the progress made by the Centre for Gender Studies. He prayed that “the sky will be their starting point” and urged them to continue with their initiatives despite obstacles. He noted that building strong partnerships in higher education and gender empowerment requires resilience and consistency.

Speaking on behalf of the Centre, Dr. Kumo thanked the ministry for the warm reception. She explained that the visit was aimed at establishing collaboration that would strengthen girl-child education, fight gender-based violence, and promote community enlightenment.

According to her, working with the Ministry of Higher Education will ensure long-term sustainability of gender-focused initiatives in the state.

She outlined the Centre’s short- and long-term objectives. The short-term focus includes community services, training workshops, and health awareness programs in collaboration with ministries such as Health and Primary Health Care.

On the long-term side, Dr. Kumo revealed plans to introduce postgraduate courses in Gender Studies. This, she said, would prepare future professionals to drive policy, social justice, and human rights advocacy.

In attendance at the meeting were the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Abduhakim Mudathir; the Director of Student Affairs, Reuben Ezikel; Senior Assistant Registrar (Academic Office), Gombe State University; and the Principal Assistant Registrar and Administration Secretary of the Centre for Gender Studies, Hussaina Tijjani, alongside other senior officials.

This partnership is seen as a major step toward strengthening higher education, promoting gender equality, and building stronger community engagement in Gombe State.

FG, JAMB Partner for Exam Access for Blind and Deaf Candidates

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FG, JAMB Partner for Exam Access for Blind and Deaf Candidates

August 19, 2025 – The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) announced a new collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) aimed at tackling long-standing challenges faced by candidates with disabilities, especially those who are blind and deaf.

The agreement was sealed during a courtesy visit led by the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, to the JAMB headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, where he met with the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

During the meeting, Hon. Gufwan praised JAMB for its sustained efforts in promoting inclusivity in tertiary education. He called for deeper interventions that would reduce barriers limiting students with disabilities in Nigeria’s educational system.

Emphasizing the importance of sign language, he stated, “Any other language other than sign language is vernacular.” According to him, the lack of structured learning facilities, particularly in mathematics for students with visual impairments, remains a pressing issue. He urged JAMB to formalize a lasting partnership with the Commission to provide tailored solutions that will guarantee fair opportunities for all candidates with disabilities in examinations and admissions.

Responding to these calls, Prof. Oloyede applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Hon. Gufwan as the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, describing it as “a square peg in a square hole.”

He reiterated JAMB’s support for building an inclusive Nigeria and noted that the Board has already established a disability support unit. He also encouraged higher institutions to create similar structures, not only to assist persons with disabilities but to promote disability studies as a recognized academic discipline.

Addressing the specific requests from the Commission, the JAMB Registrar disclosed that two directors have been appointed to serve as official liaisons with NCPWD.

He further advised the Commission to reciprocate by designating a director to interface with JAMB, ensuring effective communication between the two institutions.

The issues raised by NCPWD were also referred to the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), which is responsible for creating inclusive provisions across examinations for different categories of disabilities.

Prof. Oloyede strongly underscored the need to make sign language mainstream across Nigeria, describing it as a vital necessity. “Sign language is not optional but a necessity. We must adopt it widely,” he said.

The Registrar also recommended that disability certificates be issued officially to prevent abuse of opportunities specifically meant for persons with disabilities, highlighting the importance of maintaining fairness and credibility in the education system.

The meeting ended with a symbolic exchange as Prof. Oloyede presented a plaque of recognition to Hon. Gufwan. This presentation marked the formal establishment of the partnership between JAMB and the NCPWD.

This collaboration is being described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s efforts to remove barriers in education for persons with disabilities. With this step, both institutions are reinforcing their shared vision of an inclusive academic environment where equal access to education is guaranteed, and where no student is left behind.

Check: Nigerian Defence Academy Shortlisted/Reserved Candidates 2025 (77RC)

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Check: Nigerian Defence Academy Shortlisted/Reserved Candidates 2025 (77RC)

August 19, 2025 – The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, has officially released the list of successful and reserve candidates for admission into the 77th Regular Combatant Course.

This release of shortlisted candidates follows the Armed Forces Selection Board (AFSB) Interview that was conducted for applicants between June 28 and August 6, 2025.

The Academy confirmed that the names published belong to candidates who passed the interview process.

“The candidates have been offered admission into the NDA as cadets of the 77 RC,” the official statement read. All successful candidates are required to report to the Ribadu Campus, Old Site, Kaduna, on Monday, September 1, 2025.

The Registrar of the NDA, Brigadier General OA Ogunnleye, emphasized that cadets admitted into the Academy are full-time students, not employees. “They shall not claim any form of right or engagement whatsoever as an employee of the institution or the Federal Government of Nigeria upon dismissal or withdrawal from the Academy before commission as an officer,” he noted.

The Nigerian Defence Academy also reminded the public that it is a tuition-free institution. Candidates are advised not to make any payment to any person regarding the admission process.

The announcement warned that any candidate who fails to report by Wednesday, September 3, 2025, will lose their admission slot.

All selected candidates are expected to bring original copies of their credentials for verification. These include:
i. First School Leaving Certificate
ii. Primary School Testimonial
iii. School Certificate Result NECO/WAEC
iv. Senior Secondary School Testimonial
v. Birth Certificate/ Declaration of Age
vi. Letter/Certificate of State of Origin

Candidates must also come with the following items:
a. Two pairs of black and white trousers.
b. One lounge suite (dark colour).
c. A pair of national dress
d. Two belts (preferably black).
e. One pair of black cover shoes.
f. Two pairs of white canvas shoes (Not tight shoes).
g. Two pairs of white shorts.
h. Pyjamas.
i. Two pairs of brown canvas (Not tight shoes).
j. One pair of Football boot
k. Hockey stick.
l. Three pairs of black shorts (preferably ready-made sport shorts).
m. Three pairs of white round neck vests.
n. Two white shirts (long sleeve).
o. One black rubber-strapped digital quartz wristwatch.
p. Four pairs of white socks.
q. Black polish, brushes, shaving kit and toiletries.
r. Two white bed sheets and pillow cases for 8 spring bed.
s. Black swimming trunk/shirt.
t. Personal computer (laptop).
u. Pressing iron.

For female candidates, the following additional items are required:
a. One pair of black low heel cover shoes.
b. Four lounge skirts (dark colours)
c. Four pairs of black or blue short tight
d. Two pairs of trouser suit.

The Nigerian Defence Academy further informed all candidates that no visitors will be allowed during the first three months of training.

“Selected candidates and their parents are to please note the above for strict compliance,” the statement added.

Another requirement is that all successful candidates must upload their O’Level results on the JAMB Portal before reporting to the Academy. They must also accept their admission through the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System. For those who were not offered their preferred academic programme, they are instructed to log on to the JAMB Portal to effect the necessary changes.

The NDA stated that the list of successful candidates covers all states in Nigeria. These include:
1. Abia
2. Adamawa
3. Akwa Ibom
4. Anambra
5. Bauchi
6. Bayelsa
7. Benue
8. Borno
9. Cross River
10. Delta
11. Ebonyi
12. Edo
13. Ekiti
14. Enugu
15. Gombe
16. Imo
17. Jigawa
18. Kaduna
19. Kano
20. Katsina
21. Kebbi
22. Kogi
23. Kwara
24. Lagos
25. Nasarawa
26. Niger
27. Ogun
28. Ondo
29. Osun
30. Oyo
31. Plateau
32. Rivers
33. Sokoto
34. Taraba
35. Yobe
36. Zamfara
37. Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)

How to check:

Candidates who want to check their names are to visit https://nda.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/NDA.pdf to download and check their names.

Only selected candidates are to report to the Academy and will be received on arrival at the Drill Shed, NDA Old Site, Ribadu Campus.

Candidates on reserve may be called as the need arises through their registered emails and phone numbers.

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