Major General Oluyemi Olatoye Assumes Command As 34th Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy 

Following the recent redeployment of senior officers within the Nigerian Army, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye has formally taken over as the 34th Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

In a release signed by Major Mohammed Maidawa, Academy Public Relations Officer, said that the handing and taking over ceremony, held on Monday, 10 November 2025, marked his official assumption of office at the prestigious institution.

Major General Olatoye succeeded Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, who is retiring after 33 years of distinguished service in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The ceremony, held at the NDA’s Loyalty Hall, featured the formal handing and taking over of duties, as well as the traditional lowering and hoisting of flags at the Academy’s Quarter Guard.

The event drew dignitaries and senior officers from within and beyond the institution.

In his valedictory address, Major General Ibrahim described his successor as “a disciplined and thoroughbred Infantry officer with a wealth of experience and broad exposure,” expressing confidence that Major General Olatoye would steer the Academy to greater heights.

He commended the staff and cadets for their cooperation during his tenure and highlighted major milestones achieved under his leadership—among them, the expansion of infrastructure, enhanced cadet discipline and regimentation, and the production of highly trained officer cadets.

He also noted improvements in the Academy’s security architecture and the transparent, merit-driven cadet selection process that characterized the 77 Regular Course Selection Board, which, he said, “will continue to produce competent junior commanders for the Armed Forces.”

Expressing gratitude to God and the military hierarchy, Major General Ibrahim thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd); and the current Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, for their confidence in his leadership. He urged both military and civilian staff of the Academy to extend the same loyalty and support to his successor.

In his inaugural address, the new Commandant, Major General Olatoye, expressed profound appreciation to God and the military authorities for the privilege to lead an institution he described as “one that shaped my military journey and personal values.”

“It is with great delight that I assume duty today as the 34th Commandant of this noble Academy. I deeply appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for finding me worthy of this appointment,” he said.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Major General Olatoye lauded Major General Ibrahim as “a professional soldier, visionary leader, and mentor who nurtured many officers through his commitment to excellence and discipline.”

Reaffirming his dedication to continuity and institutional excellence, he pledged to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors and maintain the Academy’s high standards of discipline, academic distinction, and military professionalism.

“My duty is clear—to add value to the existing structure and legacy. The Academy’s standards must not drop. Together, by God’s grace, we will ensure that excellence remains the hallmark of the Nigerian Defence Academy,” he assured.

Quoting former Australian Army Chief, Lieutenant General David Morrison (rtd), he noted, “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” emphasizing his resolve to uphold the NDA’s values as a centre of excellence for officer training in Nigeria and allied nations.

He called for teamwork and collective responsibility, stating, “The success of this Academy depends on the collaboration and commitment of all. I count on your support, advice, and cooperation as we take the NDA to greater heights.”

In a gesture of respect, Major General Olatoye assured his predecessor that his experience would continue to be a valuable resource to the institution: “You are only stepping aside, not away. Your wealth of experience remains a guide for us, and we will always draw from your wisdom.”

Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, an accomplished Infantry officer and member of the 41 Regular Course of the NDA, has held several command, instructional, and staff appointments across the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Before his current appointment, he served as 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 expertise, and strategic insight, Major General Olatoye is expected to bring renewed focus, innovation, and professionalism to the Nigerian Defence Academy’s mission of producing well-rounded, disciplined, and competent officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.