June 11, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has recorded a major international academic and professional milestone as Colonel T.G. Ajato graduated with honours from the prestigious United States Army War College, emerging as one of the top-performing officers in a highly competitive class of 365 senior military officers and strategic leaders from the United States and allied nations.
Colonel Ajato achieved a historic feat by winning the institution’s coveted Frank Kelly Writing Award for outstanding research, becoming the first International Fellow in the history of the college to receive the highest academic writing prize.
The award also confers a United States Army War College Foundation Life Membership alongside other distinguished honours.
The Nigerian officer completed the Academic Year 2026 programme at the renowned military institution in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and also earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his academic excellence, intellectual depth and strategic leadership capabilities.
The achievement is being celebrated as a significant milestone not only for Colonel Ajato but also for the Nigerian Army, which has continued to strengthen its presence and reputation in leading international military and strategic institutions.
Beyond securing the prestigious writing award, Colonel Ajato further distinguished himself by developing sample model answers that were approved by the college for future Oral Comprehensive Examinations.
The materials are expected to serve as reference standards and academic benchmarks for subsequent cohorts of students at the institution.
Military observers noted that the accomplishment reflects the increasing recognition of Nigerian military officers on the global stage and demonstrates the quality of leadership training and professional development within the Nigerian Army.
The feat is also seen as aligning with the vision and command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, which seeks to transform 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.
According to military authorities, the achievement highlights the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to developing strategic leaders equipped to address evolving security challenges, contribute to national stability and support global peace and security efforts.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to New York, Brigadier General E. A. Koleoso, alongside family members, friends and well-wishers who witnessed the historic recognition.
Colonel Ajato’s success adds to a growing list of international accomplishments by Nigerian military personnel and reinforces the country’s standing within the global defence and strategic studies community.
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