Nigerian Officer Cadet Makes History as First Female Graduate from UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu has etched her name in history as the first-ever Nigerian female officer to graduate from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom. At the age of 24, Princess was among the 135 Officer Cadets who participated in RMAS’ Sovereign’s Parade today in London, marking a monumental achievement for herself and her country.

The ceremony commemorated the culmination of 44 weeks of rigorous training for the Officer Cadets of Commissioning Course 232. In a symbolic display of camaraderie and cooperation, His Majesty King Charles was represented by Général d’armée Pierre SchilI, Chief of the French Army, emphasizing the international significance of the event.

Princess’s historic graduation not only adds to the esteemed roster of Nigerian alumni from RMAS, which includes notable figures like former Nigerian President Yakubu Gowon and Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, but also reinforces the enduring partnership between the UK and Nigeria in military education and training. This commitment was reaffirmed during the recent UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership talks in February 2024.

Princess’s journey to this milestone began in 2018 when she joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic prowess, ascending to significant roles such as Cadet Lance Corporal and ultimately, Company Senior Under Officer Charlie (CSUO C), alongside two other female counterparts. Her academic excellence was underscored by achieving first-class honors in Biological Sciences during the Academics Wing of the commissioning course.

In reflecting on her groundbreaking achievement, Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu expressed profound gratitude to her support system, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of her family, mentors, instructors, and supporters. Looking ahead, she is poised to represent Nigeria with distinction and is committed to making a positive impact on the global stage.

The United Kingdom takes immense pride in celebrating this historic moment alongside Nigeria and extends heartfelt congratulations to newly Commissioned Officer Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu for her extraordinary accomplishment. Her success serves as an inspiration and testament to the limitless potential of women in the armed forces and underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity and diversity in military institutions worldwide.