A deeper dive into Nigeria’s history and its military, a male-dominated field, reveals the extraordinary contributions of women who have defied the odds and rewritten the narrative. Among them is a remarkable woman who shattered stereotypes and paved the way for women in the Nigerian armed forces.
Like last week’s inspiring heroine, Efunsetan Aniwura, the Iyalode of Ibadan who boldly challenged the patriarchy of her era, our spotlight shines on another formidable woman named Aderonke Kale. She is Nigeria and West Africa’s first female Major-General—a symbol of determination, resilience, and the limitless potential of breaking barriers.
Kale’s background
Born on July 31, 1939, Kale was raised by her father, a pharmacist, and her mother, a teacher. She trained as a medical doctor at the University of Ibadan and then specialised in psychiatry at the University of London. For her, this decision was born out of deep empathy for psychiatric patients and the need to care for them.
Her rise to prominence in the military
After completing her education, Kale returned to Nigeria in 1971 and made the unusual decision to join the Nigerian Army a year later despite being at a high professional level as one of the pioneering psychiatric doctors in Nigeria.
Her excellence as a psychiatrist was recognised in 1973, when she became a Consultant Psychiatrist, and in 1982, she became the Chief Consultant.
The following year, she broke new ground as the first woman to command a military hospital in Nigeria, serving as the Commanding Officer of the Military Hospital in Ibadan from 1983 to 1985. Her trailblazing journey continued as she took on the same role at the Military Hospital in Enugu from 1985 to 1987 and later at the Military Hospital in Benin from 1989 to 1990.
Kale’s contributions to medicine
Kale’s contributions went beyond her activities in the army. She was involved in many organisations relevant to the practice of her profession such organisations as the Nigerian Medical Council, the West African College of Physicians, the Institute of Management Consultants, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, and the World Psychiatrists Association.
She also contributed to the development of medicine, the field of Psychiatry in particular, through participation at seminars nationally and internationally at which she highlighted, through her contributions, the peculiar circumstances of psychiatric and general medical practice, particularly in Nigeria.
As a result of her exceptional strides, Kale was promoted to Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps and School from 1990 to 1994. She was later promoted to Brigadier-General, becoming the first female general in West Africa. Kale was then promoted to Major-General in 1994 and became the first Nigerian woman to achieve that rank in Nigeria and West Africa.
Kale began her journey as the Army’s Chief Psychiatrist and rose to the pinnacle of her career as a Major General and Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps. In this role, she made history as the first female officer entrusted with overseeing healthcare for all Nigerian Army personnel and their families.
Under her command, the Nigerian Army Medical Corps saw significant advancements in medical practices and the integration of mental health services within the military framework. Kale’s emphasis on mental health, particularly in the context of military service, was a pioneering move that highlighted the importance of comprehensive healthcare in the armed forces.
Her death and legacy
On November 8, 2023, Kale passed away in London. She was 84 at the time. Upon her death, President Bola Tinubu described her as a “pioneer in her field” and “a towering figure.” A monument was later erected in her honour at the Nigerian Defense Academy.
Aderonke Kale’s legacy is one of courage. She not only distinguished herself while serving her country but also redefined the possibilities for women in the military.
As the first female officer to attain the rank of Major General in Nigeria and West Africa, her story is not just about personal achievement; it’s about pioneering a path for countless women who dare to dream beyond societal expectations.
