Lieutenant Princess Oluchukwu Owowoh has etched her name in Nigeria’s history by becoming the first female officer from the country to graduate from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom.
Her remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian Armed Forces and highlights the growing role of women in military leadership.
Born in 1999 in Abia State, Lieutenant Owowoh attended Army Day Secondary School, Asaba, where her passion for military service began. She later gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as a member of the 72 Regular Course.
During her time at the NDA, she stood out for her academic brilliance, leadership qualities and discipline. She graduated with a First Class degree in Biological Sciences and became the first female cadet to hold the prestigious position of Company Senior Under Officer Charlie (CSUO C), one of the highest leadership appointments available to cadets at the Academy.
Her outstanding performance earned her a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, one of the world’s most respected military training institutions known for producing outstanding military leaders.
In April 2024, Lieutenant Owowoh successfully completed Sandhurst’s rigorous Commissioning Course, making history as the first Nigerian female officer to graduate from the academy. Her achievement was widely celebrated as a major breakthrough for the Nigerian military and a significant step towards greater gender inclusion in the Armed Forces.
Following her successful training, she was promoted to the substantive rank of Lieutenant in recognition of her dedication, professionalism and exceptional performance.
Lieutenant Owowoh’s inspiring journey is a testament to resilience, courage, discipline and excellence. Her historic accomplishment continues to inspire young Nigerians, especially girls and women, to pursue careers in the military and other leadership positions, proving that determination and hard work can break barriers and create lasting change.
