An officer cadet of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, YB Usman, has graduated from the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, United Kingdom, where he clinched the prestigious British Aerospace Systems Award.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya.
Mr Kovangiya said, “In another milestone achievement for the NDA Kaduna, Officer Cadet YB Usman, a member of 72 Regular Course, was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on 18 Dec. 2025, at the Royal Air Force (RAF) College Cranwell, United Kingdom, following the successful completion of the Modular Training Course 38.”
He said the graduation parade, held at the historic RAF College Cranwell, marked the end of an intensive military and professional training programme aimed at preparing officer cadets for leadership and operational roles in the Air Force.
Mr Kovangiya added, “The successful completion of the course and the feat achieved by Cadet Usman, reflects the high training standards and international exposure afforded to outstanding NDA cadets.”
According to him, the Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, was represented at the ceremony by the Director of Military Training, Brig.-Gen. T. Ahmed.
He said the Deputy Defence Attaché (Air) at the Nigerian High Commission in London, Group Capt. M. S. Wakil, as well as the Academy’s Assistant Adjutant, Sqn. Ldr. K. O. Ettah, were also in attendance.
“A major highlight of the ceremony was the outstanding performance of Pilot Officer YB Usman, who received the prestigious British Aerospace Systems Trophy.
According to him, the award is presented to the RAF or international cadet who attains the highest marks in professional studies during the course.
“The achievement underscored the newly commissioned officer’s academic excellence and professional competence,” Mr Kovangiya said.
He noted that other highlights of the parade included a march past by the newly commissioned officers, presentation of awards and an address by the Reviewing Officer, Air Marshal Allan Marshall of the RAF.
Other activities at the event included the exchange of souvenirs and a church thanksgiving service held in honour of the newly commissioned officers.
Mr Kovangiya said the successful training and commissioning of Pilot Officer Usman further underscored the enduring bilateral military training relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as the NDA’s commitment to producing globally competitive officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
