Nigeria has once again reaffirmed its place on the global defence map as Captain (NN) A.O. Akano of the Nigerian Navy has emerged the overall best graduating student of the Security and Defence Studies Programme 11/25 at the South African National Defence College, one of the continent’s most respected strategic military institutions.
Information sourced by TalkJudith from the official Facebook page of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed that Captain Akano graduated on 12 November 2025, outperforming senior military officers from multiple African countries and beyond.
The Security and Defence Studies Programme is a flagship strategic leadership course designed to deepen participants’ expertise in defence policy, security management, geostrategy, and international relations. Excelling in such a rigorous, multi-national academic environment underscores Captain Akano’s exceptional intellect, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to service.
Captain Akano’s accomplishment is even more historic considering he is only the second non–South African to earn the institution’s top academic honour since the programme began. The first remains another Nigerian naval officer, Captain (NN) Obute, who claimed the distinction in 2022. The repeat success by Nigerian officers further cements the country’s growing legacy of excellence within Africa’s premier defence institutions.
Defence analysts say the achievement is a testament to the Nigerian Armed Forces’ increasing influence in continental security affairs. A senior military observer described the feat as “a powerful affirmation of Nigeria’s leadership potential and strategic relevance within Africa’s evolving defence and security framework.”
The officer added that such consistent international successes demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s heavy investment in training and human capacity development investments that continue to produce officers capable of competing and excelling on global platforms.
As Captain Akano returns home decorated with top honours, his achievement stands as a compelling reminder that Nigerian military professionals remain among the finest in Africa. His success, observers say, will continue to inspire younger officers and contribute to Nigeria’s reputation for producing disciplined, innovative, and globally competitive defence leaders.
