Not too long ago, women were not allowed to join the military because it was seen as a place for men only. The idea of a woman joining, much less becoming a General was virtually impossible to imagine. But Aderonke Kale dreamed beyond those limits. She joined the Army and worked her way up with determination and skill. SONIA OKERE writes in memory of Africa’s first female Army General who passed on 18 months ago
Aderonke Kale was born in 1939 and she grew up in a family that believed strongly in the power of education. At a time when many girls were not allowed to go to school, her parents made sure she attended St. Anne’s School in Ibadan, a well-known school. After finishing there, she went on to the University of Ibadan where she earned a degree in medicine and surgery.
After qualifying as a doctor in 1963, she moved to the United Kingdom to specialize in psychiatry at the University of London. Though she had built a promising career abroad, her love for Nigeria brought her home. When she returned, she made a bold choice to join the Nigerian military. This decision shaped her future and opened new paths for women who followed her lead.
Rising through the ranks
When she joined the Nigerian Army in 1972, Aderonke Kale started her work in the Army Medical Corps as the chief psychiatrist. At a time when mental health was rarely talked about, she understood that soldiers needed care not only for their bodies but also for their minds. She was one of the first to speak out for mental health services for Nigerian troops.
By 1990, she had risen to the rank of Colonel and served as the Deputy Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps. It was not only her skill as a doctor that stood out, but also the way she led—with kindness, strength, and dedication. Soon after, she was promoted to Brigadier General, and was the first woman in West Africa to reach this rank. In 1994, she achieved an even greater milestone by becoming a Major General. She was also the first Nigerian woman ever to hold that title. This was a proud moment, not just for her, but for women all over the country who saw that they too could reach great heights.
Dedication to service
As the years went on, Kale took on more responsibility. She became the director and chief medical officer of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, where she was in charge of healthcare for all Nigerian soldiers, during peace and war. This was the first time a woman had held such an important role in the history of the Nigerian Army.
She worked hard to improve the army’s medical services and introduced better mental health care programs for soldiers dealing with stress and trauma from battle. Her efforts changed how the Nigerian Army cared for its people and left a lasting impact.
More than a doctor and leader, Kale was a mentor to many. She supported other women in the military, helping them overcome the obstacles that had held them back. Even after retiring in 1997, she continued to speak up for mental health, equal opportunities, and women’s leadership in the military.
A name that will never fade
General Aderonke Kale passed away on November 8, 2023, at the age of 84. While her passing marked the end of an era, her story lives on.
On July 9, 2024, the Nigerian Defence Academy honored her by unveiling a bronze bust at the female cadets’ quarters in Kaduna. The ceremony was more than a tribute. It was a reminder that without her, there might never have been a place for women in the military like that.
At the event, Major General Abimbola Amusu, the second woman to reach that rank, called Kale a trailblazer whose legacy made it possible for others to follow. She said, “She did not just wear the uniform; she changed what the uniform means for women.”
The event also included talks about breaking gender stereotypes in the military. These discussions were inspired by the barriers that Kale broke down many years ago.
Aderonke Kale’s name is now carved in stone and cast in bronze. She stood for excellence and never asked for special treatment. She believed in a future where talent and hard work decide a person’s place, not their gender.
