In a landmark stride towards gender inclusion, the Nigerian Air Force has officially inducted its first-ever set of female trainees—ex-Junior Air Women—into its ranks as Airwomen, marking a significant and historic shift in its recruitment policy and institutional culture.
This breakthrough follows the revision of the Nigerian Air Force’s Absorption Policy, which until recently applied exclusively to male graduates of the Air Force Military School, commonly known as ex-Junior Air Men. With the policy now expanded, female graduates from the Air Force Girls’ Military School (AFGMS) are eligible for seamless absorption into the Air Force as non-commissioned officers, unlocking new professional pathways for young women in the military.
The development was confirmed in an official statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet. He noted that the pioneering female inductees are members of the AFGMS Class of 2017, who had successfully completed the 2024 Nigerian Air Force recruitment training at the NAF Base in Kaduna, following a rigorous selection process.
“In a groundbreaking move for gender inclusion, the Nigerian Air Force has officially welcomed its first set of ex-Junior Air Women into its ranks as Airwomen,” the statement read. “This historic development comes as the NAF extends its Absorption Policy — initially designed exclusively for graduates of the Air Force Military School — to now include their female counterparts from the Air Force Girls’ Military School.”
According to the release, the trailblazing batch graduated from AFGMS in August 2023 before undergoing military recruitment training earlier this year. Upon successful completion, they have now been absorbed into the service, cementing their place in history as the first women to transition from AFGMS to full military personnel status within the Air Force.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, hailed the moment as a symbolic and practical advancement in the ongoing effort to create equal opportunities within the armed forces. He described the induction as a “triumph for every girl who has ever dreamed of wearing the uniform,” reinforcing the Air Force’s commitment to fostering gender equity across its ranks.
“This milestone underscores our resolve to empower young women and ensure a level playing field for all who aspire to serve their nation through the Air Force,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated.
The Nigerian Air Force’s embrace of gender-inclusive policies not only broadens the scope of military career options for women but also aligns the service with global best practices on gender balance in security institutions. The move has been widely lauded as a progressive step that could inspire similar reforms across other arms of the nation’s military and paramilitary institutions.
