Lobito:The 2026/2027 military academic year for Angola's higher education institutions within the Armed Forces (FAA) commenced in Benguela Province, featuring over 1,000 students, including 315 newcomers.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the opening ceremony took place at the Army Military Academy in Lobito municipality. Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Patriotic Education, General Jos© Maria Marques, presided over the event, emphasizing the motto 'Improving education to strengthen the Angolan Armed Forces.'
General Mateus da Silva, head of the Main Directorate for Troop Preparation and Education of the FAA General Staff, noted that the military higher education institutions have the capacity to accommodate more than 1,000 students. This year, 315 new entrants will join over 850 existing students in various courses related to the Army, National Air Force, and Angolan Navy.
The faculty primarily comprises FAA personnel, supplemented by lecturers from other national institutions and external partners. General da Silva highlighted a focus on innovation, new technologies, and research to align training profiles with current national defense and security needs.
Army Commander General Joo Serafim Kiteculo remarked on the significance of the academic year's commencement, underscoring the Army Military Academy's role in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical training and research. He emphasized core military values such as ethics, patriotism, and a sense of duty.
The ceremony, which coincided with the FAA's 35th anniversary, was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Benguela's Provincial Deputy Governor C¡tia Cachuco, senior FAA officials, and featured a military parade. General Kiteculo expressed confidence in the Army's continued support for developing military education and preparing future FAA personnel to meet national defense challenges.
