NAF inducts first female military school graduates

In a historic step toward gender inclusion, the Nigerian Air Force has inducted its first set of Ex-Junior Air Women as Airwomen, marking a significant shift in the service’s recruitment policy.

This milestone follows the revision of the NAF Absorption Policy, which previously applied exclusively to male graduates of the Air Force Military School, known as Ex-Junior Air Men.

With the updated policy, female graduates of the Air Force Girls’ Military School can now be absorbed into the force as Non-Commissioned Officers.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Ehimen Ejodame, announced that the inaugural beneficiaries—graduates of AFGMS Class of 2017—had completed their military 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,” the statement read.

“This historic development extends the Absorption Policy, initially reserved for male AFMS graduates, to include their female counterparts from AFGMS.”

The young women, who graduated from the girls’ military school in August 2023, were selected for the 2024 NAF recruitment training, which they have now completed.

Describing the development as a landmark moment, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said, “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.”