In a landmark move toward gender inclusion and equality in Nigeria’s military institutions, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inducted its first-ever set of female Airwomen—graduates of the Air Force Girls’ Military School (AFGMS)—marking a historic policy shift in one of the nation’s elite defence branches.
This breakthrough follows a strategic revision of the NAF Absorption Policy, which had, for decades, limited recruitment into the force to only male graduates of the Air Force Military School (AFMS), known as ex-Junior Air Men. The updated policy now officially includes female graduates, providing them equal opportunity to be absorbed as non-commissioned officers within the Air Force.
A statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, announced the formal induction of these pioneering women after the successful completion of their military training at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna.
“The first beneficiaries of this transformative policy are the members of the AFGMS Class of 2017, who graduated in 2023 and were absorbed into the 2024 NAF recruitment training. After rigorous screening and training, they have now earned their place as Airwomen,” the statement read.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, this milestone is not just symbolic—it is structural. It reflects a deliberate institutional shift that embraces gender parity and sets a new standard for inclusivity across all branches of the Nigerian military.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, hailed the development as a momentous achievement, not only for the military but for Nigerian society at large.
“This is a moment of triumph for every young girl who has ever dreamed of wearing the uniform. It is a bold step toward inclusivity and gender equality in national service. We are not just rewriting the policy—we are rewriting history,” he said.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with broader national and international objectives to promote gender equality in traditionally male-dominated sectors, including the armed forces.
The significance of this development goes beyond optics. Female participation in the military has been a long-standing global challenge, especially in Africa, where cultural, institutional, and systemic barriers have often limited women’s roles in defense and security.
By revising its recruitment policies to accommodate female graduates of its military school, the NAF not only empowers young women but also expands its talent pool with diverse skills and perspectives critical for modern-day military operations.
This policy change is expected to pave the way for further reforms, including the potential inclusion of women in combat roles, technical units, intelligence, and leadership training programs.
The Air Force Girls’ Military School, located in Jos, Plateau State, was established in 1987 to offer girls a structured military and academic education comparable to their male counterparts in AFMS. Until now, its graduates could not be absorbed directly into the Air Force, despite undergoing similar training, discipline, and curriculum.
With this policy reversal, graduates of AFGMS can now aspire to serve their country fully as commissioned or non-commissioned officers—a dream long held by many alumnae of the institution.
Gender inclusion in the Nigerian military has been gaining momentum over the past decade, with the Nigerian Army and Navy also revisiting policies to promote the active participation of women in core operational and leadership roles. The NAF’s decision is expected to accelerate such reforms across the armed forces.
Security analysts and gender advocates have praised the move, urging sustained implementation and further institutional support to ensure that female Airwomen have equal access to training, promotions, and command responsibilities.
The historic induction of these trailblazing women sends a powerful message to young Nigerian girls across the country: the sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning.