Profile of Nigeria’s first female Major-General, Aderonke Kale

Early Life and Education Born on July 31, 1939, Aderonke Kale was raised in a family that valued education. Her father, a pharmacist, and her mother, a teacher, ensured she received a solid education. Kale’s academic journey began in Lagos and Zaria for primary education, followed by St. Anne’s School in Ibadan and Abeokuta Grammar School for her secondary education.

Educational Pursuits and Career in Psychiatry She pursued medicine at University College, later known as the University of Ibadan, before specializing in psychiatry at the University of London. The inspiration for her career choice came from Thomas Adeoye Lambo, Africa’s pioneer in psychiatry. Her professional journey took her briefly to Britain before returning to Nigeria in 1971.

Military Career In a groundbreaking move, Kale joined the Nigerian Army in 1972, a significant decision for a woman at such a high professional level during those times. Her progression within the army was remarkable, rising to the positions of colonel and deputy commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps by 1990. Her ascent continued as she was later promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, marking her as the first female general in West Africa.

Kale’s career apex came in 1994 when she attained the rank of major-general, becoming the first Nigerian woman to achieve such a distinction. Her contributions were monumental, holding significant roles such as chief psychiatrist to the army and later, director of the entire Nigerian Medical Corps. Her tenure as the Chief Medical Officer until 1996 was a historic moment in the Nigerian Army’s history, as she became the first woman to be entrusted with the healthcare of Nigerian soldiers at all levels, both in preparation for and during times of war.

Personal Life and Legacy Outside her illustrious career, Kale was a proud mother, having a son named Yemi Kale in 1975, who later became the statistician-general of Nigeria. Her philanthropic contributions included providing land for the establishment of the Bodija-Ashi Baptist Church in Ibadan.

Passing and Legacy Aderonke Kale, a Yoruba woman, passed away on November 8, 2023, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements and trailblazing efforts in the Nigerian military, especially as the country’s first female major-general.