The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has sent a strong message saying the safety, wellbeing, and academic excellence of students in Air Force schools are non-negotiable.
During a recent tour of Air Force Comprehensive School in Ibadan, Abubakar emphasized that any compromise on these priorities will not be tolerated.
He charged commandants and staff to identify potential red flags and follow guidelines to prevent incidents. “It is your responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students,” he stressed. “I will not condone any act that leads to injuries or harm to our students.”
In a statement, Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is committed to providing a conducive learning environment, empowering students to reach their full potential, and contributing to national development.
The NAF’s investment in education he said, is a vital aspect of its welfare package, supporting families and contributing to human capital development.
During his tour, Air Marshal Abubakar inspected ongoing renovation works at the students’ hostels and classrooms, part of a phased School Intervention Strategy to holistically renovate, upgrade, and repair NAF schools across Nigeria.
The NAF currently runs 13 secondary schools nationwide, consisting of 9 boarding and 4 day schools with a total strength of 11,177 students, as well as 21 primary schools spread across the country with a total strength of 13,758 pupils. Its oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School, Jos, was established in 1980, while its oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, was established in 1976.
The NAF is building additional schools at NAF Bases located at Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Igbara-Oke in Osun State, all expected to come on stream by September 2024.
The Chief of the Air Staff’s commitment to student safety and excellence aligns with the NAF’s core values of discipline, integrity, and service to nation. By prioritizing education and student wellbeing, the NAF is investing in the future of Nigeria and shaping the next generation of leaders.
