NAF makes history as First Female Ex-JAWs officially join Air Force Ranks

In a major step toward gender inclusion, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially absorbed its first set of female Ex-Junior Air Women (Ex-JAWs) as Airwomen, marking a historic milestone in the Force’s history.

This development follows the expansion of NAF’s Absorption Policy, which was previously limited to male graduates of the Air Force Military School (AFMS), known as Ex-Junior Air Men (Ex-JAMs). The revised policy now includes female graduates of the Air Force Girls’ Military School (AFGMS), creating new career paths for women interested in joining the NAF as Non-Commissioned Officers.

The beneficiaries of this new policy are members of the AFGMS Class of 2017, who completed their graduation in August 2023. After undergoing a rigorous selection process, they began their military training at the NAF Base in Kaduna as part of the 2024 recruitment exercise. With successful completion of their training, they have now been fully inducted into the Air Force.

Beyond recruitment, the policy aims to offer these women educational and professional development through NAF’s training programs. For many of them, joining the military is more than just a job—it is an opportunity for purpose and empowerment.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, while reflecting on the occasion, 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.”

He also emphasized the role of AFGMS in shaping future leaders, stating 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 private industries.”

As these trailblazing women assume their roles within the NAF, they bring with them a strong sense of purpose, courage, and the message that gender should never be a barrier to serving the nation. Their journey marks not just history being made—but history being rewritten.