HISTORY: FIRST NIGERIAN FEMALE CADET TO BE TRAINED AT ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY SANDHURST GRADUATES
The first Nigerian female cadet to be trained at Royal Military Academy (RMA), Sandhurst, United Kingdom (UK) graduated in a colourful Sovereign Parade on 12 April, 2024.
Princess Oluchukwu Owowo was a member 70 Regular Course before she proceeded to the RMA for training. Owowo passed out as second lieutenant alongside 24 other International Cadets with honors and was recognized for her exemplary performance during her time at the RMA. Second Lieutenant Owowo achievement marked a significant milestone in gender equality and diversity in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, showcasing the talent and potential of female cadets in the defence sector.
Her selection to attend the RMA is a testament to her dedication, skills, and leadership abilities while at the NDA. Owowo’s success has inspired other female cadets in the NDA and beyond, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and excel in their military careers. Her journey from NDA to RMA cadet with laurels serves as a shining example of breaking barriers and achieving excellence in the field of defense and security.
Her accomplishment will undoubtedly pave the way for more opportunities for women in the military and serve as a source of pride. Second Lieutenant Awowo is a remarkable young officer, who prior to her training at the RMA, has already achieved a significant milestone in her academic journey. She holds a prestigious first – class Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biological Sciences from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Among those who witnessed the epoch making passing out parade include the Commandant NDA Major General JO Ochai, Academy Registrar, Brigadier General AM Tukur among several other Nigerians living in the UK.
The RMA is the home of the Officer Corps of the British Army. In has a long history of producing officers for the British Army and other allied countries. The original RMA was established at Woolwich in 1741, to train Artillery and Engineer officers. Cavalry and Infantry officers were trained at the Royal Military College (RMC) at Great Marlow, founded in 1802, subsequently moving to Sandhurst in 1812. The RMA and RMC merged after the Second World War in 1947 to form the present establishment, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Since inception in 1947, over 5,500 young cadets from 132 different countries have trained alongside the British Officer Cadets, re-enforcing the ties between British Army and the Armies of British friends and allies.
