By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, Officer Cadet YB Usman, has graduated from the Royal Air Force Collage Cranwell United Kingdom, winning the prestigious ‘British Aerospace System Award’.

The academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, announced this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

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 culmination of rigorous military and professional training designed to prepare officer cadets for leadership and operational responsibilities in the Air Force.

Koyangiya said, “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.”

The spokesman added that the Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, was represented at the event by the Director of Military Training, Brig.-Gen. T Ahmed.

He said the Deputy Defence Attaché (Air), at the Nigerian High Commission London, Grp. Capt. MS Wakil, and the Assistant academy’s Adjutant, Squad. Leader KO Ettah, also attended the event.

“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,” Koyangiya said.

He said other highlights of the parade included a march past by the newly commissioned officers, presentation of awards, an address by the Reviewing Officer, Air Marshal Allan Marshall of the RAF.

Other notable events included exchange of souvenirs and a church thanksgiving service held in honour of the commissioned officers.

Kovangiya said the successful training and commissioning of Pilot Officer YB Usman further underscored the enduring bilateral military training partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

It also showed the academy’s unwavering commitment to producing globally competitive officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria. (NÀN)