Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has issued a strict warning to the Commandants of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) schools, stating that any acts leading to injury or death of students will not be tolerated. His primary concern is the safety, well-being, and academic excellence of all students enrolled in Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools across the nation.
In a recent statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized his commitment to these priorities during an interaction with the commandant and staff of Air Force Comprehensive School, Iyana-Offa in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Air Chief reiterated that negligence by commandants, staff, or instructors responsible for NAF schools, resulting in injury or life-threatening situations for students, is unacceptable.
“It is your responsibility to follow the guidelines laid down and identify red flags that may indicate gaps or lapses within your school environments to prevent avoidable incidents or tragedies. I will not condone any act that would lead to injuries or the death of any of our students,” he stated.
Air Marshal Abubakar stressed that the NAF remains dedicated to providing a conducive learning environment that fosters students’ overall development and empowers them to reach their full potential. He called on the commandants and staff to prioritize the interests of the students above all else.
NAF’s investment in education, he noted, is a crucial aspect of its welfare package aimed at supporting the families of personnel and civilians while contributing to the nation’s human capital development. This initiative is part of NAF’s soft power strategy, aimed at fostering positive relations with the populace by offering affordable and high-quality education for their wards.
During his visit to Iyana-Offa, the CAS inspected ongoing renovation works at the students’ hostels and classrooms. These renovations are part of a broader School Intervention Strategy aimed at holistically renovating, upgrading, and repairing NAF schools nationwide.
Currently, the NAF operates 13 secondary schools nationwide, comprising 9 boarding schools and 4 day schools, with a total enrollment of 11,177 students. Additionally, there are 21 primary schools spread across the country, accommodating 13,758 pupils. The oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School, Jos, was established in 1980, while the oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, was established in 1976.
The NAF is also expanding its educational infrastructure, with new schools being built at NAF Bases in Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Igbara-Oke in Osun State. These new schools are expected to open by September 2024.
