Navy Captain Abidemi Akano has been named the best graduating student of the Security and Defence Studies Programme 11/25 at the South African National Defence College.
Capt. Akano, who graduated on November 12, 2025, outshone officers from several countries to clinch the top honours.
He becomes only the second non–South African to win the overall best student award since the programme’s inception, following in the footsteps of Navy Captain Obute, another Nigerian officer, who earned the accolade in 2022.
The Nigerian Navy has congratulated Navy Captain Abidemi Akano on the feat, describing it as a testament to the country’s commitment to military excellence and global collaboration.
The course, which began on January 13, had participants from India, Nigeria, and other international defence forces, highlighting the programme’s regional and global engagement.
In his address, the Chief of SA Defence Forces, General Rudzani Maphwanya, praised the graduates for their dedication and professionalism, emphasising the value of continuous learning in navigating evolving security challenges.
“Our duty as soldiers is clear, we must maintain the sovereignty of our respective countries, ensure a sound national security grounding, understand diplomacy, law, and heightened cooperation amongst nations.
It is also to advocate against guns and structural adjustment programmes speaking louder than collective agreements between nations.”
The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous academic year, highlighting the SA National Defence Force College’s role in developing capable leaders committed to protecting South Africa’s sovereignty and promoting peace and stability in the region.
