Reasons Nigeria’s First Female Fighter Pilot, Kafayat Sanni, Clinched Top Honours in Ghana

Flight Lieutenant Kafayat Sanni, Nigeria’s pioneering female fighter pilot, has once again made history—this time in Ghana. She was recently honoured as the Best Allied Student at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in Accra.

In addition to this top academic recognition, Sanni also received the award for Best Assistant Commandant Paper, further solidifying her reputation as a standout figure in African military aviation.

The announcement was made during the college’s graduation ceremony on Friday, attended by military leaders and dignitaries from across the continent, according to a statement released by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through its spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

Sanni first captured national attention in October 2019 when she was decorated as Nigeria’s first-ever female fighter pilot, following her training in the United States. Since then, she has flown advanced aircraft including the Alpha Jet and trained others on the Super Mushshak as a seasoned instructor.

Her stellar performance at GAFCSC reflects not just personal brilliance, but Nigeria’s growing influence in regional defence collaboration and commitment to empowering women in the military.

A Remarkable Journey

Sanni began her aviation journey in 2012 when she joined the Nigerian Air Force. In 2017, she graduated top of her class from the 401 Flying Training School in Kaduna. Her exceptional academic and flying records earned her a spot in the prestigious U.S. Aviation Leadership Programme.

There, she underwent rigorous training in Texas and at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, gaining international flight experience over an 18-month period.

Symbol of Progress and Inclusion

Air Commodore Ejodame described Sanni’s recent achievements as not only a personal success but also a testament to the Nigerian Air Force’s evolving culture of gender inclusion and military professionalism under the leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.

He emphasized that Sanni represents a new generation of NAF officers reshaping perceptions and breaking barriers for women in defence roles.

Sanni’s legacy continues to inspire, alongside that of the late Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot. Together, their contributions are defining a more inclusive future for Nigeria’s armed forces.