The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized that the safety, wellbeing, and academic excellence of students in Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools nationwide are his top priorities. He made this statement during a recent visit to Air Force Comprehensive School, Iyana-Offa, in Ibadan.
According to Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air ForceAir Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet interacting with the Commandant and staff, Air Marshal Abubakar stressed that any act of negligence by commandants, staff, or instructors that endangers students would not be tolerated. “It is your responsibility to follow laid-down guidelines and identify red flags indicating potential gaps or lapses to prevent avoidable incidents or tragedies. I will not condone any act that leads to injuries or the death of any of our students,” he stated.
The CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to providing a conducive learning environment that supports the overall development of students and empowers them to reach their full potential. He urged commandants and staff to prioritize the interests of students above all else.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted that the NAF’s investment in education is a crucial part of its welfare package, benefiting both personnel families and civilians. This initiative contributes to national human capital development and serves as a soft power strategy to engage positively with the public by offering affordable, high-quality education.
During his visit to Iyana-Offa, the CAS inspected ongoing renovations at the students’ hostels and classrooms. These improvements are part of a broader School Intervention Strategy led by Air Marshal Abubakar, aimed at renovating, upgrading, and repairing NAF schools across Nigeria.
Currently, the NAF operates 13 secondary schools, including 9 boarding and 4 day schools, with a total student population of 11,177. Additionally, there are 21 primary schools with 13,758 pupils nationwide. The oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School in Jos, was established in 1980, while the oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School in Ikeja, was established in 1976. The NAF is also constructing new schools at its bases in Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Igbara-Oke in Osun State, expected to be operational by September 2024.
