Nigerian Army officer Timothy Ajato has become the first international fellow to win the Frank Kelly Writing Award at the United States Army War College (USAWC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
The Nigerian Army announced the achievement in a statement shared on its social media platforms on Thursday.
Ajato, a colonel, received the award after graduating with honours from the USAWC Academic Year 2026 programme.
According to the army, he was among 365 senior military officers and strategic leaders from the United States and allied countries who participated in the programme.
The Frank Kelly Writing Award is the institution’s highest academic writing honour.
The army said Ajato is the first international student to receive the award since the college was established.
The recognition also comes with United States Army War College Foundation Life Membership and other benefits.
Ajato also earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies during the programme.
Beyond the award, the army said he developed sample model answers that were approved by the college for future Oral Comprehensive Examinations.
The materials are expected to serve as reference guides for future students of the institution.
The United States Army War College trains senior military officers and civilian leaders for strategic leadership and national security responsibilities.
The Nigerian Army said Timothy Ajato’s achievement reflects the performance of its personnel in international military institutions and supports its efforts to develop strategic leaders for security and defence roles.
The army added that the accomplishment aligns with the leadership vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, which focuses on professional development and leadership training.
Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to New York, Brigadier General EA Koleoso, family members, friends and well-wishers attended the graduation ceremony.
