The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has called on 35 newly graduated Nigerian Air Force pilots to view their qualifications as a solemn commitment to national defense, rather than merely personal achievement.
Speaking on 2 May 2025 at the graduation ceremony of Basic Transport Flying Course 5 and Ab-initio Student Pilot Course 49 at the 401 Flying Training School (FTS), Kaduna, Air Marshal Abubakar underscored the significance of their accomplishment.
“Earning your flying qualification is not just a personal achievement; it is a national responsibility,” he stated, urging the new pilots to dedicate themselves fully to safeguarding the nation.
He emphasized that these aviators now shoulder the aspirations of millions and play a pivotal role in ensuring Nigeria’s security. Highlighting the Air Force’s ongoing reforms, the CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to enhancing training standards, modernizing fleet capabilities, and adopting cutting-edge doctrines to maintain a technologically advanced, resilient, and professional force.
Air Marshal Abubakar also praised 401 FTS for its over four decades of excellence, having trained more than 700 pilots for Nigeria and other African nations.
This graduation, he noted, represents another stride in the NAF’s mission to build a stronger, smarter, and strategically focused air force.
