While a student his academic exploits became murky as some reports indicate that the former Nigerian ruler did not graduate from high school before proceeding to NMTC(Nigeria military training college). The intellectual height and the depth of Abacha’s sagacity is a subject of intense debate with colleagues like General Olusegun Obasanjo dismissing him a dull personality, an ‘expendable brute not expected to rise beyond the rank of a warrant officer.’

Some even cited his not attending Sandhurst Royal Military Academy as evidence of an intrinsic lack of intelligence. But Abacha had a way of stupefying his opponents and those who underestimated him. He eventually became the Commander-in-Chief of the world’s most populous black nation. That doesn’t sound like what a silly dimwit can achieve.

-CAREER & COUPS

Here is an overview of Abacha’s rise through the ranks in the Nigerian Army:

-Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant: 1963 -Lieutenant: 1966 -Captain: 1967 -Platoon and Battalion Commander, Training Department, Commander, 2nd Infantry Division, Major: 1969 -Lieutenant Colonel: 1972 -Commanding Officer, 2nd Infantry Brigade, Colonel: 1975 -Brigadier: 1980.
Notwithstanding his despotism as a leader, he still remains a hero to me.

Looking back I sort of admire his independence and staunch Nationalism.

Abacha spared no one irrespective of tribe, religion or background.

Sanusi can testify to that as Abacha throw his pile ridden azz in jail for inciting religious riots not given a rat's azz if he was a prince of Kano or not

Looking back, I guess he might not even be that bad a civilian president. #justSaying...