Meet Captain Fatima Saleh, The Trailblazing Pioneer Who Breaks Barriers at the Nigerian Defence Academy

Captain Fatima Saleh has been formally recognized as a historic figure in the Nigerian Armed Forces, distinguished as the first female regular combatant cadet from Northern Nigeria to be admitted into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

An indigene of Adamawa State, Captain Saleh was a member of the 63 Regular Course, marking a significant milestone in the military’s efforts toward gender inclusion and regional representation.

Captain Saleh’s path to the officer corps was defined by personal determination and the defiance of cultural expectations. During her admission process, she faced significant opposition from her Arabic school teacher, who discouraged her from pursuing a military career. Supported by her mother’s unwavering encouragement, she successfully enrolled as the only Muslim female in the pioneer set of 20 female regular combatant cadets admitted in 2011.

Her success is viewed as a landmark achievement for Northern Nigeria, providing a blueprint for young women in the region to aspire to elite combat roles.

Pioneer Status: Recognized as the first Hausa-Fulani woman from the core North to graduate as a regular combatant from the NDA.

Advancing the Rank: As of early 2026, she holds the rank of Captain in the Nigerian Army and remains a prominent figure in the ongoing narrative of women in military leadership.

Captain Saleh’s career continues to serve as an "exemplary motivation" for future generations of female cadets, proving that no regional or cultural barrier is insurmountable in the pursuit of national service.