Nigerian Air Force makes history by inducting first set of ex-Junior Air Women

In a landmark stride toward gender inclusion, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially inducted its first set of Ex-Junior Air Women (Ex-JAWs) into active service as Airwomen, marking a significant moment in the Force’s history.

This groundbreaking development follows the expansion of the NAF’s Absorption Policy, which was previously reserved for male graduates of the Air Force Military School (AFMS), known as Ex-Junior Air Men (Ex-JAMs).

With this review, female graduates from the Air Force Girls’ Military School (AFGMS) are now eligible to be absorbed into the NAF as Non-Commissioned Officers.

The policy shift not only reflects the NAF’s commitment to promoting gender equity in its ranks but also paves the way for more young women to pursue meaningful careers in military service. By opening its doors wider, the NAF is empowering a new generation of women to contribute to national defense and security.

The first beneficiaries of this transformative policy are the members of the AFGMS Class of 2017, who graduated in August 2023. After a rigorous selection process, these young women entered the 2024 NAF recruitment training at NAF Base, Kaduna, where they successfully completed their military training. They have now proudly joined the NAF ranks, marking a new chapter in the history of gender equality within the service.

The policy revision not only provides Ex-JAWs with a direct pathway to military service but also opens doors to educational and professional growth through the NAF’s training programmes. For many of these women, this opportunity represents more than a career, it offers a future built on pride, purpose, and empowerment.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, expressed his vision stating, “This is a moment of triumph for every girl who has ever dreamed of wearing the uniform. It is a testament to the Air Force’s commitment to empowering young women and ensuring equal opportunities for all.”

The newly absorbed Airwomen, shaped by the discipline and leadership instilled at AFGMS, are set to contribute significantly to the NAF and the nation. The CAS noted that “over the past 39 years, AFGMS has produced more than 3,500 graduates who have gone on to lead in various sectors, including the Armed Forces, government, academia, and other corporations”.

As these pioneering women step into their roles, they carry with them not just a legacy of achievement but also the message that gender is no barrier to excellence, service, or nation-building. They are not just making history; they are rewriting it.