Nigerian Army Officer Makes History at US Army War College

A Nigerian Army officer, Timothy Ajato, has made history. He is the first International Fellow to win the Frank Kelly Writing Award at the United States Army War College (USAWC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

A statement on the army’s social media shared the news. The award is the highest academic writing honour of the institution. Mr Ajato, a colonel, received this award after graduating with honours from the Academic Year 2026 programme. He was among the top-performing officers in a class of 365 senior military officers and strategic leaders from the United States and other allied countries.

This achievement is significant. It is the first time an international student has won the Frank Kelly Writing Award since the college started. The army added that this recognition also gives Mr Ajato United States Army War College Foundation Life Membership and other outstanding benefits.

Aside from the award, Mr Ajato also earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies. This shows his academic excellence and knowledge in strategic and security matters.

The army pointed out that Mr Ajato's achievements go beyond just academics. He developed model answers that the college approved for future Oral Comprehensive Examinations. These models will be used as reference materials for future student groups at the college.

The United States Army War College is one of the best military schools in the world. It prepares senior military officers and civilian leaders for leadership roles and national security tasks.

The Nigerian Army sees Mr Ajato’s win as a sign of the rising reputation of its personnel in international military schools. It also shows the ongoing efforts to train highly skilled strategic leaders who can tackle modern security issues.

The army said this achievement fits with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, a lieutenant general. His aim is to change the army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force. This force should discharge its constitutional duties effectively in joint and multi-agency settings.

The army further stated that this accomplishment shows its commitment to investing in professional military education and leadership training. This helps to strengthen national and global peace and security efforts.