The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, on Thursday conferred an Honourary Doctorate Degree in Military Science on former Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd).
The recognition came during the Academy’s 35th Convocation Ceremony, which was declared open by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, OFR, and attended by top military officers, diplomats, and academics.
Magashi, who was NDA’s 17th Commandant (1998–1999) and later Minister of Defence (2019–2023), joined the institution as part of its 5th Regular Course in 1968 before his commissioning in 1971. He later earned a Law degree at Ahmadu Bello University and was called to the Bar in 1984.
His career saw him serve as Platoon Commander, Commander of several battalions, Deputy Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, Commander of 15 Brigade ECOMOG, GOC 2 Division, and Military Governor of Sokoto State (1990–1992).
In his acceptance speech, the Kano-born retired General described the honour as “a clarion call to continue contributing to the development of the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Armed Forces, and the nation at large.”
With the award, Magashi joins an exclusive roll of past NDA honourees, including former Heads of State and distinguished military leaders, whose names the Academy says “are written in gold in its Hall of Fame.”
NDA Honours Magashi With Doctorate In Military Science
