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

Today marks a historic moment as Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu became the first-ever Nigerian female officer to graduate from the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). Princess, who is 24 years old, was among 135 Officer Cadets to graduate during RMAS’ Sovereign’s Parade in London.

The ceremony celebrated the completion of 44 weeks of rigorous training for the Officer Cadets of Commissioning Course 232. His Majesty King Charles was represented by the head of the French Army, Général d’armée Pierre SchilI, Chief of the Army Staff, at the event.Since the 1950s, several Nigerian officers, including former Nigerian President Yakubu Gowan and Chief of Defence Intelligence Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, have become RMAS alumni. Princess Owowoh’s graduation as the first female and 190th Nigerian graduate signifies a significant milestone in the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s Professional Military Education training. This commitment was reaffirmed during the recent UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership talks held in February 2024.

In 2018, Princess began her journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. She was appointed as a Cadet Lance Corporal in her second year, a Cadet Sergeant in her fourth year, and in her fifth year, she became the Company Senior Under Officer Charlie (CSUO C), a position shared with two other female counterparts. This trio made history as the first females to hold the CSUO position in the academy. In her fourth year, she excelled in the Academics Wing of the commissioning course, achieving first-class honors in Biological Sciences.Reflecting on her achievement, Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu expressed her gratitude:

“It is a profound honor to be the first Nigerian female officer to commission from the esteemed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This achievement is not mine alone, but a testament to the unwavering support of my family, mentors, instructors, and countless individuals who believed in me every step of the way. As I look ahead to the future, I am committed to representing Nigeria with pride, and to making a positive difference in the world.”

The UK proudly celebrates this historic occasion with Nigeria and congratulates newly Commissioned Officer Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu on her remarkable achievement.