Nigeria’s trailblazing female fighter pilot, Flight Lieutenant Kafayat Sanni, has once again soared to new heights, clinching two prestigious awards at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in Accra.
The Nigerian Air Force officer was honoured as the Best Allied Student and also received the Best Assistant Commandant Paper award during the College’s graduation ceremony held on Friday. The occasion was graced by high-ranking military officers and dignitaries from various African nations, reflecting the significance of the achievement.
Flight Lieutenant Sanni, who rose to national prominence in 2019 as the first female fighter pilot in the history of the Nigerian Air Force, continues to break barriers and set new records. Her journey began with rigorous training in the United States, which later earned her the historic title and set her on a path of excellence.
Since then, she has flown the Alpha Jet in several combat and training missions and also excelled as a qualified instructor pilot on the Super Mushshak aircraft, mentoring the next generation of NAF pilots.
Reacting to her latest achievement, Flight Lieutenant Sanni said:
“This recognition means more than just a personal milestone. It is proof that Nigerian women can achieve anything they set their minds to, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like aviation and defence. I’m proud to represent my country and grateful to the Nigerian Air Force for its continued support.”
Her performance at GAFCSC not only earned the admiration of her peers and superiors but also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in regional security cooperation and military excellence.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the Ghanaian Armed Forces praised Sanni’s exceptional intellect and leadership, saying:
“Flight Lieutenant Sanni’s performance reflects the highest standard of military scholarship and commitment to service. She has been a model officer throughout the course.”
Military analysts and observers see this accomplishment as a direct result of the Nigerian Air Force’s dedication to human capital development and inclusion. Under the leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the NAF has continued to invest in capacity-building programs that empower both male and female officers to excel on international platforms.
In his congratulatory message, Air Marshal Abubakar remarked:
“Flight Lieutenant Sanni’s achievement is a testament to our drive for excellence. We are proud of her and the values she represents – courage, professionalism, and dedication.”
Her success serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians, particularly girls aspiring to careers in aviation and defence. It also reaffirms the NAF’s commitment to gender inclusion and the strategic role women play in shaping the future of Nigeria’s military strength.
Flight Lieutenant Kafayat Sanni’s continued rise remains a beacon of hope and a powerful symbol of breaking boundaries – not just for Nigeria, but for Africa as a whole.
