Air Marshal Abubakar Highlights Importance of Technical Education to NAF

Oru Leonard 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to technical education as a key driver for developing highly skilled personnel to safeguard Nigeria’s airspace, territory, and citizens. At the graduation ceremony of 432 officers, airmen, and airwomen from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized the importance of technical education in enhancing the NAF’s technical capabilities.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted AFIT’s crucial role in enhancing the technical capabilities of the Service emphasizing that the AFIT graduates are central to the NAF’s strategy in adapting to a technologically evolving defence landscape. In speaking to the significance of technical education, the CAS observed that AFIT’s commitment to developing top-tier human capital equips graduates to tackle critical challenges, not only for Nigeria but also for allied African nations. “AFIT’s dedication to producing technically proficient graduates is essential for ensuring operational efficiency and self-sufficiency,” he stated, praising the Institute’s shift toward practical-oriented learning and hands-on training. This approach, he added, supports the NAF’s ongoing fleet modernization efforts and reduces reliance on foreign technical training, conserving national resources.

The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for the NAF, with the newly acquired knowledge of the graduates crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of 12 new aircraft, and an additional 50 expected soon. Air Marshal Abubakar praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering support and the AFIT Governing Council’s oversight, instrumental in the institute’s success.

Key Highlights of the Graduation Ceremony:

– AFIT’s Commitment to Excellence: The institute remains dedicated to providing high-quality technical and logistics training to meet the NAF’s manpower needs.
– Expansion Efforts: AFIT continues to improve training quality, tackling critical challenges, and promoting staff training and certification.
– Predictive Maintenance Culture: The NAF emphasizes the importance of research and development, encouraging graduates to contribute to indigenous military manufacturing.
– Partnership and Collaboration: The NAF strengthens partnerships with organizations like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to enhance airspace safety and security.