The Commandant, French Military Academy, (Ecole Spéciale Militaire De Saint-Cyr France), Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Charpy, says it will collaborate with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on education and military training.
Speaking during a working visit to the NDA Headquarters on Tuesday in Kaduna, Charpy said that his visit to the academy was to strengthen bilateral military relations and explore opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
Charpy emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between Nigeria and France, particularly in military training and education.
He highlighted the significance of language proficiency, specifically French and English, for interoperability between the two countries’ military forces.
The General said that Nigerian cadets were already attending the French military academy, and he aimed to expand this cooperation.
After touring the Nigerian military academy, Charpy expressed admiration for the cadets’ fitness and performance in an obstacle race.
“The visit aims to enhance military cooperation and pave the way for future joint operations and training exercises between Nigeria and France, “the military envoy said.
Commandant of NDA , Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, said it was training junior military officers from Nigeria and allied countries, with a focus on international cooperation and language training, including French.
Ibrahim said NDA has a language lab where the cadets learn French, facilitating communication with neighboring French-speaking countries and enhancing interoperability.
According to him, the academies has an exchange programme, with lecturers and cadets participating in training and development opportunities in both countries.
He said the collaboration aimed to enhance joint efforts in fighting terrorism, with trained cadets playing a crucial role in the field.
The commandant said the visit would strengthen bilateral relations and provide opportunities for both countries to learn from each other, with reciprocal visits planned in the future.
He added that the meeting underscored the importance of international cooperation in military training and counter-terrorism efforts.
The commandant, French academy, toured training facilities, which included Academic branch and NDA Hall of Fame .
Others included the observation of drill display period by fifth term cadets ,observation of physical training period; obstacle crossing by fourth term cadets and a special dinner with band and cultural displays.(NAN)
