The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is challenging a policy of automatic admission for graduates of military secondary schools. An official informed the House of Representatives that this practice violates Nigeria’s federal character principle, designed to ensure equitable representation across states. Concerns center on potential discrimination against applicants not attending these military schools. The NDA argues the automatic admission system undermines merit-based selection and fair competition. Lawmakers are now reviewing the policy, seeking to balance the benefits of recognizing military family ties with the need for national inclusivity. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between preferential treatment and equal opportunity within Nigeria’s educational and military systems.