The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John-Ochefu Ochai, on Wednesday visited Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria to praise Prof. Umar Ka’oje for voluntarily returning N1,153,953.36 wrongly paid to him.
The money was paid to the don after the expiration of his teaching contract with the nation’s apex military academy.
The visit by the commandant to the university was in addition to a letter of commendation to the don by the NDA, dated September 11.
The commandant was received by the Head of the Department (HOD) of Political Science and International Studies, Dr. Rahanatu Lawal.
“Only a few people today could exhibit Prof. Ka’oje’s uncommon moral courage,” Lawal said.
The HOD noted that such an exemplary character should be emulated by fellow Nigerians.
The commandant said he had to follow up the letter of commendation earlier written to the professor with the physical visit to further show appreciation for his act of honesty.
According to him, the honesty exhibited by Professor Ka’oje was extremely rare in Africa.
He pledged NDA’s readiness to further honour the professor at an appropriate time.
The commandant also expressed gratitude to the department for its well established culture of training leaders to be honest and accountable.
Ka’oje praised the academy, saying: “The commandant equally deserves commendation for recognising and rewarding honesty.”
