NAF absorbs first set of AFGMS graduates into airwomen ranks

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially admitted its first set of Ex-Junior Air Women (Ex-JAWs) into its ranks as Airwomen, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the Service’s commitment to gender inclusion.

This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

With this development, the NAF has extended its Absorption Policy previously applicable only to graduates of the Air Force Military School (AFMS), known as Ex-Junior Air Men (Ex-JAMs) to now include female graduates of the Air Force Girls’ Military School (AFGMS).

According to the statement, the policy review opens exciting career opportunities for young women aspiring to serve in the NAF as Non-Commissioned Officers.

The first beneficiaries of this transformative policy are members of the AFGMS Class of 2017, who graduated in August 2023.

Following a rigorous selection process, these young women joined the 2024 NAF recruitment training at NAF Base, Kaduna, where they successfully completed their military training and have now been absorbed into the service.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially admitted its first set of Ex-Junior Air Women (Ex-JAWs) into its ranks as Airwomen, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the Service’s commitment to gender inclusion.

This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

With this development, the NAF has extended its Absorption Policy—previously applicable only to graduates of the Air Force Military School (AFMS), known as Ex-Junior Air Men (Ex-JAMs)—to now include female graduates of the Air Force Girls’ Military School (AFGMS).

According to the statement, the policy review opens exciting career opportunities for young women aspiring to serve in the NAF as Non-Commissioned Officers.

The first beneficiaries of this transformative policy are members of the AFGMS Class of 2017, who graduated in August 2023. Following a rigorous selection process, these young women joined the 2024 NAF recruitment training at NAF Base, Kaduna, where they successfully completed their military training and have now been absorbed into the service.

The statement added that this revised policy not only provides Ex-JAWs with a direct pathway into military service but also offers avenues for educational and professional advancement through NAF training programmes.

“For many of these women, this opportunity represents more than a career—it is a future built on pride, purpose, and empowerment,” the statement noted.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, expressed delight over the development, describing it as a fulfilment of his vision for a more inclusive and dynamic Air Force.

“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 CAS said.

The newly absorbed Airwomen, shaped by the discipline and leadership values instilled at AFGMS, are poised to make significant contributions to the NAF and the nation at large.

Air Marshal Abubakar further noted that “over the past 39 years, AFGMS has produced more than 3,500 graduates who have gone on to excel in the Armed Forces, government, academia, and various sectors.”

As these pioneering women step into their new roles, they carry not only a legacy of excellence but also a powerful message: gender is no barrier to service, leadership, or nation-building. They are not just making history—they are rewriting it.

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The statement added that this revised policy not only provides Ex-JAWs with a direct pathway into military service but also offers avenues for educational and professional advancement through NAF training programmes.

“For many of these women, this opportunity represents more than a career—it is a future built on pride, purpose, and empowerment,” the statement noted.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, expressed delight over the development, describing it as a fulfilment of his vision for a more inclusive and dynamic Air Force.

“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 CAS said.

The newly absorbed Airwomen, shaped by the discipline and leadership values instilled at AFGMS, are poised to make significant contributions to the NAF and the nation at large.

Air Marshal Abubakar further noted that “over the past 39 years, AFGMS has produced more than 3,500 graduates who have gone on to excel in the Armed Forces, government, academia, and various sectors.”

As these pioneering women step into their new roles, they carry not only a legacy of excellence but also a powerful message: gender is no barrier to service, leadership, or nation-building. They are not just making history—they are rewriting it.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE