Nigerian Army Officer Makes History with Top US Army War College Award

Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting 

THE Nigerian Army has recorded a significant international academic and professional achievement as Colonel TG Ajato graduated with honours from the prestigious United States Army War College (USAWC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, after successfully completing the Academic Year 2026 programme.

Colonel Ajato distinguished himself among a highly competitive class comprising 365 senior military officers and strategic leaders from the United States and several allied nations, emerging as one of the institution’s top-performing graduates.

In a landmark accomplishment, the Nigerian officer won the coveted Frank Kelly Writing Award for outstanding research, becoming the first International Fellow in the history of the college to receive the institution’s highest academic writing honour.

The award, regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions at the college, also confers a United States Army War College Foundation Life Membership, alongside other distinguished benefits.

In addition to the writing award, Colonel Ajato earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his academic excellence, intellectual rigour and strategic leadership capabilities.

His contributions extended beyond academic success.

The senior officer developed sample model answers that were approved by the college for use in future Oral Comprehensive Examinations, thereby establishing a benchmark for subsequent cohorts of students.

The achievement is seen as a reflection of the growing reputation of Nigerian Army officers in leading international military institutions and aligns with the vision and command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, which seeks to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Military observers say the feat further demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing strategic leaders equipped to tackle contemporary security challenges while contributing meaningfully to national, regional and global peace and security efforts.

Among those present at the graduation ceremony were Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to New York, Brigadier General EA Koleoso, as well as members of Colonel Ajato’s family, friends and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the historic achievement.

Colonel Ajato’s success adds to a growing list of Nigerian military officers making notable impacts in international professional and academic institutions, further enhancing the country’s reputation in strategic military education and leadership development.