Air Chief emphasizes safety and academic excellence in NAF schools

IBADAN, June 28, 2024 – The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and academic excellence of students in Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools across Nigeria.

During an interaction with the Commandant and staff of Air Force Comprehensive School in Iyana-Offa, Ibadan, Oyo State, Abubakar emphasized that any threats to these priorities would not be tolerated. This was stated in a release by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Thursday in Abuja.

Abubakar underscored that negligence by commandants, staff, or instructors that could endanger the students’ safety or wellbeing would face strict consequences. He stressed the importance of adhering to guidelines and promptly addressing any red flags that may indicate potential risks within school environments.

“I will not condone any act that will lead to injuries or the death of any of our students. The NAF remains dedicated and committed to providing a conducive learning environment, ensuring the overall development of students, and empowering them to reach their full potential,” said Abubakar.

He urged commandants and staff to prioritize students’ interests above all else, highlighting NAF’s significant investment in education as a crucial component of its welfare package. This investment supports both personnel families and civilians, contributing to national human capital development and fostering positive engagement with the civilian population through affordable and quality education.

Abubakar’s visit included an inspection of ongoing renovations at the school’s hostels and classrooms, part of a broader School Intervention Strategy aimed at upgrading and repairing NAF schools nationwide. NAF currently operates 13 secondary schools, including nine boarding and four day schools, with a total enrollment of 11,177 students, and 21 primary schools with 13,758 pupils.

“The oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School, Jos, was established in 1980, and the oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, was established in 1976. Additionally, new schools are being constructed at NAF Bases in Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Igbara-Oke in Osun State, all expected to commence operations by September 2024,” Abubakar noted.

This initiative is part of NAF’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for all students.