RELIGIOUS IMBALANCE IN 2026 NDA 78RC ADMISSION LIST

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎10th September, 2026

PRESS RELEASE:

‎RELIGIOUS IMBALANCE IN 2026 NDA 78RC ADMISSION LIST

The Muslim Rights Concern, Abuja Chapter, has critically studied the list of successful candidates for the 2026 Nigerian Defence Academy 78 Regular Course which was recently released. We are compelled to raise alarm over what appears to be a clear imbalance in both the composition of the admission committee and the ratio of Muslims and Christians admitted in each state. 

Composition of the admission committee:

We observed that all key officers superintending the admission process are of the same Faith:

- CDS - Christian

- Chairman, NDA Selection Board - Christian  

- Commandant, NDA - Christian

- NDA Registrar - Christian

- NDA Provost - Christian

This lopsided hierarchy raises legitimate concerns about balance, fairness, objectivity and adherence to the Federal Character principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

State-by-State disparities noted;

Our preliminary analysis of some states shows disturbing patterns:

1. Adamawa: 6 Christians out of 10. All 3 reserves are Christians;

2. Bauchi: 2 Christians out of 10;

3. Benue: Only 1 Muslim out of 10. All 3 reserves are Christians;

4. Borno: 3 Christians out of 10. 1 Christian in 3 reserves;

5. Ebonyi: Only 1 Muslim and he is in reserve;

6. Edo: All admitted including 3 reserves are Christians;

7. Ekiti: Only 3 Muslims out of 10 Christians including reserves;

8. FCT: Only 2 Muslims out of 6 including reserves;

9. Gombe: 5 Christians out of 10. All 3 reserves are Christians;

10. Imo: Only 1 Muslim admitted in 13 including reserve;

11. Kaduna 6 in 10 are Christians;

12. Kebbi 1 Christian out of 10;

13. Kogi 4 Muslims out of 10 (1 in 3 reserves);

14. Kwara 4 Muslims out of 10;

15. Lagos 5 in 10 Muslims;

16. Nasarawa 4 Muslims;

17. Niger 4 Muslims out of 10;

18. Ogun 2 Muslims out of 10;

19. Ondo no single Muslim in 13 including reserves;

20. Oyo only 3 Muslims out of 10 ;

21. Plateau 3 Muslims to 10 Christians;

22. Taraba 2 Muslims out of 10;  

23. Yobe 2 Christian out of 10; 

Our demands:

In view of the above, MURIC Abuja Chapter urgently calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to:

1. Intervene Immediately and direct a review of the 78RC admission list to ensure fairness and balance;

2. Reconstitute key admission/appointment positions in NDA to reflect Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity

3. Compel NDA to publish the criteria used for selection, including cut-off marks and quota per state

As the saying goes, "a problem identified is a problem half solved." We believe the Presidency will act promptly to maintain unity, equity and national cohesion.

May Allah grant us Leaders who uphold Justice and Fairness.  

Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen,                        Lukman Babalola Laleye 

Chairman, MURIC                                 PRO, MURIC, Abuja Chapter 

Abuja Chapter