In a groundbreaking achievement, Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu has etched her name in history as the first Nigerian female officer to graduate from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom.
Oluchukwu’s remarkable accomplishment comes after successfully completing 44 weeks of rigorous training at the renowned UK military academy. The momentous occasion was marked by the Sovereign’s Parade in London on Friday, April 12, 2024, where she joined 134 other Officer Cadets of Commissioning Course 232 in their graduation.
The announcement was made by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, a Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in Abuja. Akande-Alegbe highlighted the significance of Oluchukwu’s achievement, emphasizing the longstanding commitment of the UK in supporting Nigeria’s Professional Military Education training.
Oluchukwu’s journey to this historic milestone began in 2018 when she enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Rising through the ranks during her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and academic prowess, ultimately securing the position of Company Senior Under Officer Charlie (CSUO C) in her fifth year, alongside two female contemporaries.
Her academic excellence was evident as she completed the Academics Wing of the commissioning course with first-class honors in Biological Sciences. Reflecting on her achievement, Oluchukwu expressed profound gratitude to her family, mentors, instructors, and supporters who believed in her throughout her journey.
Oluchukwu’s groundbreaking accomplishment not only symbolizes a personal triumph but also underscores the collaborative partnership between the UK and Nigeria in military education and training. Her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring officers, particularly women, and showcases the exceptional capabilities of Nigerian citizens on the global stage.
She was one of the international cadets who travel to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Camberley, Surrey, to receive leadership training, before they are commissioned into their respective militaries around the world.
Officer Cadet Oluchukwu will now return to serve in the Nigerian military where she is expected to join the intelligence corps.
An army representative said: ‘A lot of the hierarchy from her own forces were there to witness the event. By all accounts she is a very popular person judging by all of the people who were hugging her.
‘She is very physically powerful and was very intent on wanting to join the Nigerian military. She had a beaming smile all the way through.’
Officer cadets have to pass 44 weeks of intensive training, split into three terms, before they are able to attend the Sovereign’s Parade and receive their commission.
The inspecting officer, who is known as the sovereign’s representative, was the chief of the French army – representing King Charles III.
General Pierre Schill was at the parade to also celebrate the 120th year of the signing of the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale, which marked the beginning of an alliance between the two nations that would endure two world wars.
This year was the 232nd commissioning course.
The Sovereign’s Parade marks the passing out from Sandhurst of Officer Cadets who have completed the Commissioning Course and is the result of many hours of hard work.
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