Princess Owowoh Makes History as First Nigerian Female Officer to Graduate from Sandhurst

Princess Owowoh Makes History as First Nigerian Female Officer to Graduate from Sandhurst

Princess Owowoh Oluchukwu, a Nigerian officer in the UK Army has become the first female officer cadet from Nigeria to graduate from the UK Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

The 24 year old was made an officer in the British Army during the Sovereign’s Commissioning Parade on Friday 12 April, 2024.

“It is a profound honor to be the first Nigerian female officer to commission from the esteemed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst,” Owowoh said about her feat.

“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,” she said.

Owowoh, alongside 134 other graduates had undergone 44 weeks of training in the UK, and upon graduation received commissions as officers to serve in various capacities within the Army, including commanding troops, leading missions, and providing strategic direction. Owowoh will return to serve in the Nigerian military where she is expected to join the intelligence core.

Owowoh joins some of Nigeria’s past leaders who graduated from the Royal Military Academy including Yakubu Gowon, former head of state and president of Nigeria, and Emmanuel Undiandeye, chief of defense intelligence in Nigeria.

The British High Commission in Nigeria lauded Owowoh’s achievement as “an inspiration to many young women who dream to lead.”

“The UK is proud to celebrate this historic occasion with Nigeria and congratulates newly Commissioned Officer Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu on her remarkable achievement,” it said.

Owowoh began her journey in Nigeria having joined the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) in 2018, in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

During her second year at the NDA, she was appointed a Cadet Lance Corporal and became a Cadet Sergeant in her fourth year. In the same year, she completed the Academics Wing of the commissioning course and graduated with first class honors in Biological Sciences.

By her fifth year in the Academy, Owowoh was appointed as a Company Senior Under Officer Charlie (CSUO C), a position she held alongside two other female counterparts.

Their appointment made history as they became the first women to assume the position of CSUO in the academy.

Nigerians in The Royal Military Academy

Nigerians in the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, represent a proud tradition of excellence and service within the British Armed Forces. Over the years, a number of Nigerian cadets have earned the honor of attending this prestigious institution, distinguishing themselves through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to duty.

Training at Sandhurst offers Nigerian cadets a unique opportunity to develop their military skills, leadership abilities, and professionalism within a world-class educational environment. Through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on training exercises, these cadets are equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to excel as officers in the British Army.

Nigerian cadets at Sandhurst bring with them a rich cultural heritage and a diversity of perspectives, enriching the Academy’s learning environment and contributing to its global reputation for excellence. They join a long line of international cadets who have passed through Sandhurst’s gates, forging bonds of friendship and camaraderie that transcend borders.

Upon graduation, Nigerian cadets from the Royal Military Academy go on to serve their country and the British Armed Forces with distinction. Whether deployed on peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, or combat deployments, they embody the values of courage, integrity, and selflessness that define the military profession.

The presence of Nigerians in the Royal Military Academy reflects not only their individual achievements but also the strong and enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It underscores the shared commitment to peace, security, and stability in the global community and serves as a testament to the strength of the bonds that unite our two nations.

As Nigeria continues to play a vital role in addressing regional and global security challenges, the contributions of Nigerian officers trained at Sandhurst serve as a source of pride and inspiration. They stand as shining examples of the courage, leadership, and professionalism that define the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.