Nigeria’s First Female Fighter Pilot, Kafayat Sanni, Clinches Top Honours in Ghana
In a proud moment for Nigeria and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Flight Lieutenant Kafayat Omolara Sanni, the country’s first-ever female fighter pilot, has been decorated with two prestigious awards at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC). The accolades Best Allied Student and Best Assistant Commandant’s Paper were conferred during the college’s 2025 graduation ceremony held in Accra on Friday, June 20.
Flight Lieutenant Sanni, who represented Nigeria as part of a select group of foreign military officers at the GAFCSC, outperformed her peers from several African nations. Her exceptional performance during the rigorous academic and leadership training earned her the Best Allied Student Award, typically reserved for the most outstanding non-Ghanaian participant. In addition, she took home the Best Assistant Commandant’s Paper Award, a distinction given to the officer whose final paper demonstrated superior research, strategic insight, and relevance to modern military operations.
The event was attended by high-ranking military officials from Ghana, Nigeria, and other West African countries, along with defence attachés and foreign dignitaries.
Kafayat Sanni first made history in October 2019 when she became the first female fighter pilot in the 55-year history of the Nigerian Air Force. She trained in the United States under the Aviation Leadership Programme and returned to Nigeria to fly aircraft such as the Super Mushshak and the Alpha Jet, playing a critical role in air operations and pilot training missions.
Her rise through the ranks has served as a beacon of possibility for young women in military and aviation circles. “Flight Lieutenant Sanni’s success is not only a personal achievement but a symbol of Nigeria’s growing leadership in regional military professionalism,” said a senior NAF officer who attended the ceremony.
News of her recognition quickly made waves across Nigeria’s defence and social media spaces. The Nigerian Air Force and The Nation newspaper confirmed her award in reports shared via their official handles on X (formerly Twitter), prompting praise from across the military and civilian population alike. “She continues to break ceilings with grace and excellence,” one user posted, while another added, “Nigeria is proud of you, Kafayat.”
The awards also underscore the strong military cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana. The GAFCSC has long served as a hub for elite officer training in West Africa, and Sanni’s success is a reflection of Nigeria’s strategic investment in regional defence collaboration. Officials from Ghana’s military expressed admiration for her performance, noting that her achievements highlight the calibre of officers the Nigerian military produces.
Flight Lieutenant Sanni’s journey continues to inspire young Nigerians, particularly girls interested in aviation, military service, and leadership. She has often spoken publicly about her motivations and the importance of discipline, opportunity, and perseverance. “Don’t limit yourself. Whatever your gender, if you work hard and stay focused, you can soar,” she once said in a previous interview.
With her latest international accolades, Kafayat Sanni has not only reinforced her place as a pioneer in Nigeria’s military history but also extended her impact across Africa. As she returns to Nigeria with her new honours, her story remains one of courage, competence, and the limitless potential of women in uniform.
