Maj Gen Kevin Okechukwu UKANDU

Major General Kevin Okechukwu UKANDU hails from Umuhu Okabia in Orsu Local Government (LGA) of Imo State. He attended Mgbidi Town School for his primary education and Bishop Shanahan College Orlu as well as Mgbidi Boys Secondary School Mgbidi Oru LGA for his secondary education. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 43 Regular Course on 16 August 1991 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Engineers as a Second Lieutenant on 21 September 1996. The senior officer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry as well as Master of Philosophy in Security and Strategic Studies from Nigerian Defence Academy. He also has a Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy (MIAD) from Ahmadu Bello University as well as a Master of Science in Geographic Information Management from Cranfield University United Kingdom. He has conducted several researches, among which are Geographic Information Systems and Operational Efficiency in the Armed Forces of Nigeria: Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Perspective, ‘Exploring the Spatial Factors Associated with the Onset of Insurgency’ and ‘The Whole of Government Approach to Managing Internal Security Crisis in Nigeria’

 

SHORT COURSES ATTENDED

Ukandu has attended several short military professional courses and these include Engineer Young Officers Course at Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Infantry Young Officers Course at Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Junior Staff Course at Armed Forces Command and Staff College and Squadron Commanders Course, at Ecole Superieur et d’Application du Genie (ESAG) Angers France. Others are System Approach to Training – Managers Course – BMATT, Demobilisation Disarmament and Reintegration Coures at Koffi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre as well as Higher Defence and Strategic Studies Course ar National Defence College, Nigeria.

POSTINGS

Maj Gen KO UKANDU has held several instructional, staff and command appointments in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Some of the appointments held by the senior officer are Troop Commander – 11 Field Engineer Regiment, Instructor – NASME, Platoon Commander – Support Company 1 Battalion and Aide de Camp to Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy. He was Staff Officer Engineers at   Force Headquarters United Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur Sudan (UNAMID), Staff Officer Grade 1 Operations – Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers (NAE), Directing Staff – Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Commanding Officer – 25 Support Engineer Regiment and          Deputy Chief of Staff Admin – HQ NAE. Others are Acting Director Engineering Services – Army Headquarters,          Commander – 47 Engineer Brigade, Acting Director Procurement Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Procurement, Directing Staff – National Defence College, Nigeria, Director Peacekeeping Operations at Defence Headquarters and Director Inspection and Quality Assurance at the Department of Defence of Training among others.

 

AWARDS/MEDALS

Maj Gen UKANDU has several medals and awards among which are Distinguished Service Star, Passed Staff Course Dagger – psc (+), Distinguished Fellow of the Defence College – fdc(+), Command Medal, Field Command Medal, Research Medal and      General Operations Medal. He is also decorated with UNAMID Medals, Operation HADIN KAI Medal and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Award.

GENERAL

Maj Gen KO UKANDU is a Member of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and Nigerian Institute of Management. He is married with kids. At his leisure, he loves reflection and jogging.