The Nigerian Army has recorded another remarkable international academic and professional milestone as Colonel TG Ajato graduated with honours from the United States Army War College (USAWC), Carlisle, Pennsylvania, after successfully completing the Academic Year 2026 course.
The distinguished senior officer emerged among the top performers in a highly competitive class of 365 senior military officers and strategic leaders drawn from the United States and allied nations. In a historic achievement, Colonel Ajato won the prestigious Frank Kelly Writing Award for outstanding research, becoming the first International Fellow in the history of the institution to receive the highest academic writing prize. The award also confers a United States Army War College Foundation Life Membership and other distinguished benefits. He further earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies, highlighting his exceptional academic excellence and strategic insight.
Colonel Ajato’s accomplishments extend beyond personal success, as he also developed sample model answers approved by the College for future Oral Comprehensive Examinations, setting a benchmark for subsequent cohorts. His outstanding performance reflects 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, “To Advance the Transformation of the Nigerian Army into a More Professional, Adaptable, Combat Ready and Resilient Force Capable of Decisively Discharging its Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”.
The achievement further highlights the commitment of the Nigerian Army to developing strategic leaders capable of addressing contemporary security challenges and contributing effectively to national and global peace and security. Present at the event was the Nigeria’s Defence Attache to New York Brigadier General EA Koleoso, family, friends and well wishers.
