Nigerian Army Officer Wins Top Honour at U.S. Army War College

The Nigerian Army has recorded a major international academic milestone as Colonel TG Ajato has graduated with honours from the United States Army War College (USAWC), Pennsylvania, after completing the Academic Year 2026 programme.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the senior officer emerged among the top performers in a competitive class of 365 senior military officers and strategic leaders drawn from the United States and allied countries.

TG Ajato also made history by winning the prestigious Frank Kelly Writing Award for outstanding research, becoming the first International Fellow in the institution’s history to receive the top academic writing prize.

The award places him among the college’s distinguished honourees and confers additional recognition, including membership benefits from the U.S. Army War College Foundation.

He also earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting what officials described as exceptional academic and strategic performance throughout the programme.

Beyond the personal achievement, Ajato reportedly contributed to academic development at the institution by producing model answers approved for future oral comprehensive examinations, setting a benchmark for subsequent cohorts.

The Defence Headquarters said his performance underscores the growing presence and reputation of Nigerian Army officers in leading international military institutions, in line with the professional development goals of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

It added that the achievement aligns with the transformation agenda of the Chief of Army Staff, aimed at building a more professional and strategically capable force.

The graduation event was attended by the Nigerian Defence Attaché in New York, Brigadier General EA Koleoso, alongside family members and colleagues.