In a landmark stride toward gender inclusion and equality in the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially inducted its first set of Ex-Junior Air Women (Ex-JAWs) into service as Airwomen.
The move marks a significant expansion of the NAF’s Absorption Policy, which had previously been exclusive to male graduates of the Air Force Military School (AFMS)—the Ex-Junior Air Men (Ex-JAMs). With the policy now extended to include female graduates of the Air Force Girls’ Military School (AFGMS), young women can now chart a direct path into the NAF as Non-Commissioned Officers.
The inaugural beneficiaries are members of the AFGMS Class of 2017, who graduated in August 2023. Following a competitive selection process, the trailblazing candidates underwent the 2024 NAF recruitment training at the NAF Base in Kaduna. Having completed the rigorous military programme, they now proudly don the Air Force uniform, becoming the first women to transition from AFGMS directly into NAF service.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, in post on NAF X handle on Monday, hailed the development as “a moment of triumph for every girl who has ever dreamed of wearing the uniform,” adding that the policy shift is a bold statement of the Air Force’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and national service.
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“This landmark policy doesn’t just create a pathway to serve,” he said, “it offers our young women a future of pride, purpose, and leadership.”
Over the last 39 years, AFGMS has produced more than 3,500 graduates who have contributed to national development across the military, civil service, academia, and corporate sectors. This latest evolution in NAF’s recruitment strategy affirms that the same platform of opportunity and discipline now awaits its female graduates within the military ranks.
As these new Airwomen begin their journey, they do so not only as defenders of the skies but also as symbols of progress—proving that gender is no obstacle to duty, discipline, or distinction.
Their absorption into the NAF isn’t just historic—it’s transformative, signaling a future where merit, service, and sacrifice know no gender.
