Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu has etched her name in history as the first-ever Nigerian female officer to graduate from the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). The 24-year-old Princess was among the 135 Officer Cadets who graduated during RMAS’ Sovereign’s Parade in London.

The ceremony marked the culmination of 44 weeks of intensive 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.

Princess Oluchukwu’s achievement is particularly remarkable as she becomes the first female and 190th Nigerian graduate of RMAS, following in the footsteps of notable Nigerian officers such as former President Yakubu Gowan and Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Princess joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State, Nigeria, in 2018. During her time at NDA, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as Cadet Lance Corporal in her second year, Cadet Sergeant in her fourth year, and later assuming the role of Company Senior Under Officer Charlie (CSUO C) in her fifth year.

In addition to her military achievements, Princess excelled academically, completing the Academics Wing of the commissioning course with first-class honours in Biological Sciences.

Reflecting on her historic achievement, Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu expressed her gratitude to her family, mentors, instructors, and countless supporters who believed in her journey. She affirmed her commitment to representing Nigeria with pride and making a positive impact in the world.

The graduation of Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu underscores the longstanding commitment of the UK in 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.

As Officer Cadet Oluchukwu prepares to return to serve in the Nigerian military, where she is expected to join the intelligence core, her achievement serves as an inspiration to young women across Nigeria and the continent, highlighting the limitless possibilities for those who dare to dream and work tirelessly to achieve their goals.

The UK joins Nigeria in celebrating this historic occasion and congratulates Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu on her remarkable achievement. Her graduation represents a significant milestone in UK-Nigerian cooperation and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the African woman.