Former Nigeria Defence Minister, Maj. Gen BS Magashi (Rtd) Bags NDA Honorary Doctorate Degree

"By this highly prestigious Honorary Doctorate Degree of Military Science conferred on an accomplished General, Politician and Elder Statesman, the retired General BS Magashi CFR, mni, has joined the esteemed Leagues of the past honorees including some Nigerian former Heads of State, Presidents of Countries and Generals whose names have been written in Gold for posterity in the annals of the Nigerian Defence Academy hall's of fame."

The 35th Convocation Ceremony of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) , Kaduna State, held at the Academy Auditorium on Thursday 25th September, 2025 has set a milestone record in her choice of the annual list of the prestigious Honorary Doctorates Degrees since inception in 1964

This followed a well deserved conferment of Honorary Doctorates Degree (Honoris Causa) on the 17th Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA from July 1998 to June 1999 who was also the erstwhile Minister of Defence from 2019 to 2023 Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi,(Rtd) CFR, mni.

The colourful ceremony which was graced by the who-is-who in the Military, the academia, members of the Diplomatic Corps, was declared open by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG. Musa, OFR.

The CDS catalogued the abridged profile of the distinguished Military and political career's journey of the retired Magashi, CFR who is honoured with the Conferment of Doctor of Military Science. 

The award recipient who was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy, (NDA) in 1968 as a member of the 5th Regular Course and Commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 1971 also bagged a Bachelor of Laws( LLB) at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and was called to the Bar in 1984.

General Magashi's brilliant career trajectory within and outside the Military include Platoon Commander, Commander 4 Guards Battalion, Commander 93 and 192 Mechanised Battalions, Deputy Military Secretary Army Headquarters and Commander, 15 Brigade ECOMOG as well as member of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC).

The honoree who had served as Military Governor of Sokoto State from August, 1990 to January,1992 .and General Officer Commanding, GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army is one of the most decorated Senior Officers as recipients of the Forces Service Star, FSS, Meritorious Service Star, MSS, Distinguished Service Star, DSS, ECOMOG and Silver Jubilee Medals.

Delivering his acceptance speech, the retired Kano born General said the honour is a clarion call to continue to contribute to the trajectory of the development of the Nation's Military, the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA and National Development at large.

By this highly prestigious Honorary Doctorate Degree of Military Science conferred on an accomplished General, Politician and Elder Statesman, the retired General BS Magashi CFR, mni, has joined the esteemed Leagues of the past honorees including some Nigerian former Heads of State, Presidents of Countries and Generals whose names have been written in Gold for posterity in the annals of the Nigerian Defence Academy hall's of fame.

This was contained in a statement e- signed by Major General (Rtd) Magashi's Media Team.