BREAKING: Aderonke Kale, Nigeria’s first female Major-General is dead

Nigeria’s pioneering female Major-General, Aderonke Kale (Rtd), has passed away at the age of 84 in London, UK. The specifics of her illness leading to her demise were not disclosed.

The announcement of her passing, marked as an “irreparable loss,” was confirmed by the president of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI).

Kale, born on February 13, 1939, made history as the first female major-general in the Nigerian Army. Specializing in psychiatry, she rose to lead the Nigerian Army Medical Corps.

Her journey began with medical studies at University College, later known as the University of Ibadan, followed by psychiatric specialization at the University of London. Inspired by Africa’s first professor of psychiatry, Thomas Adeoye Lambo, Kale embarked on her career.

In a groundbreaking move, she joined the Nigerian Army in 1972, a rarity for women, especially in high-ranking professional positions. Her ascent was remarkable, holding positions of significance within the Army, from chief psychiatrist to director of the entire Nigerian Medical Corps, becoming its Chief Medical Officer until 1996.

Kale’s legacy was marked by significant milestones. By 1990, she became a brigadier-general, the first female general in West Africa. Subsequently, in 1994, she achieved the rank of major-general, a historic feat making her the first Nigerian woman to attain such a position. Her contributions extended to overseeing the healthcare of all Nigerian soldiers across all levels in preparation for and during the war, an unprecedented responsibility within the Nigerian Army.

Her illustrious career concluded with her retirement in 1997.