Nigeria’s First Female Graduate of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS)

The Nigerian officer was described as 'very happy, very proud' with a 'beaming smile' all the way through the ceremony

On April 12, 2024, Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu made history as the first Nigerian female officer to graduate from the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). At 24 years old, Princess Oluchukwu was among the 135 Officer Cadets who completed RMAS’ Sovereign’s Parade in London.

The parade marked the culmination of 44 weeks of rigorous training for Officer Cadets of Commissioning Course 232. Representing His Majesty King Charles was Général d’armée Pierre Schill, Chief of the Army Staff.

Princess Oluchukwu from Nigeria (2R), poses with members of the Nigerian army and the Nigerian Navy (L), after the Commissioning Course No. 232 Sovereign's Parade

Princess Oluchukwu began her military journey in 2018 at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. She achieved significant milestones during her time at NDA, rising from Cadet Lance Corporal to Cadet Sergeant, and ultimately becoming Company Senior Under Officer Charlie (CSUO C), a historic first for females in the academy. In her fourth year, she excelled academically, earning first-class honors in Biological Sciences.

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

Reflecting on her achievement, Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu expressed gratitude to her support system and vowed to represent Nigeria proudly while making a positive impact globally.

The UK celebrates this momentous occasion with Nigeria and congratulates Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu on her remarkable accomplishment.

During the Sovereign’s Parade, Officer Cadet Oluchukwu was inspected by General d'armee Pierre Schill, head of the French Army, who described her as 'very happy, very proud' with a 'beaming smile.' She now returns to serve in the Nigerian military, expected to join the intelligence corps.

The Sovereign's Parade at RMAS is a significant event, marking the completion of intensive training for Officer Cadets before their commission. This year's parade was particularly meaningful, coinciding with the 120th anniversary of the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale.

his year the Sword of Honour, awarded to the Officer Cadet deemed to be the best of the course, was awarded to Junior Officer HWR Webb (pictured) of The Parachute Regiment

The head of the French Army, General d'armee Pierre Schill arrives to inspect the officer cadets