Major-General John-Ochefu Ochai, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), expressed his admiration for Professor Umar Ka’oje from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, who voluntarily returned an accidental payment of ₦1,153,953.36 made to his account after the termination of his teaching contract with the NDA.
In an official commendation letter dated Monday, September 11, the NDA commended Professor Ka’oje for his exceptional moral courage and exemplary character. The commandant personally visited Rahanatu Lawal, the Head of the Department of Political Science and International Studies, to express his gratitude and appreciation for the professor’s integrity.
Lawal acknowledged that Professor Ka’oje’s act of honesty demonstrated rare moral courage that few individuals possess in today’s society. She emphasized the importance of emulating such exemplary character.
During the visit, the commandant highlighted the extraordinary rarity of Professor Ka’oje’s actions, particularly within the African context. He assured that the NDA is committed to further honoring the professor for his integrity.
In response, Professor Ka’oje expressed his gratitude towards the NDA for recognizing and rewarding honesty, emphasizing the importance of integrity in academic and professional pursuits.
