The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. John-Ochefu Ochai, has commended Professor Umar Ka’oje for voluntarily returning N1,153,953.36 that was wrongly paid to him.

The money was paid to Ka’oje after the expiration of his teaching contract with the nation’s apex military academy.

Ochai visited Ahmadu Bello University Zaria on Wednesday to personally commend Ka’oje for his honesty and integrity.

“Only a few people today could exhibit Prof. Ka’oje’s uncommon moral courage,” said Dr Rahanatu Lawal Head, Department of Political Science and International Studies.

“Such exemplary character should be emulated.“

Ochai said that he was impressed by Ka’oje’s honesty and that he wanted to show his appreciation for such an act.

“The act exhibited by Ka’oje is infrequent in Africa’s climate,” he said. “He is a role model for all of us.”

Ochai also thanked the department for its well-established culture of training leaders to be honest and accountable.

Ka’oje commended the academy for recognizing and rewarding his honesty.

“The Commandant equally deserved commendation for recognising and rewarding honesty,” he said.

Ochai pledged the NDA’s readiness to further honor Ka’oje at an appropriate time.