By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering commitment to youth development and quality education, describing them as key pillars in building a stronger, more secure Nigeria.
This reassurance came during the Joint Passing Out Parade of the Air Force Military School (AFMS) and Air Force Girls Military School (AFGMS) in Jos, Plateau State.
The colourful and emotional ceremony honoured the graduating class of 2025 and celebrated the 45th anniversary of AFMS a milestone the Air Chief hailed as “a glowing testament to vision, resilience, and national impact.”
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS, who once served as an instructor at AFMS nearly 30 years ago, returned to the institution with pride and deep emotion. He noted that the experience helped shape his perspective on leadership, discipline, and the critical role of structured military education in raising future nation-builders.
Since its establishment in 1980, AFMS has produced over 6,200 graduates, many of whom have gone on to excel in the military, academia, public service, and private industry both in Nigeria and abroad.
The Air Chief commended the AFMS Alumni Association for their continuous support and developmental projects, describing their efforts as “a noble act of legacy and service.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also highlighted the rising prestige of Nigerian Air Force schools, describing them as some of the most competitive and sought-after in the country. He attributed this to well-planned policies and unwavering dedication to academic excellence.
He announced the recent establishment of new schools in Abuja, Igbara-Oke, and Kaduna, and revealed plans to integrate all Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA)-owned schools into a single, standardised educational system.He disclosed that major renovation works are ongoing across several NAF schools, with AFMS among the beneficiaries including improved feeding arrangements and enhanced access to clean water for students.
In a significant policy move, the CAS announced the revival of the programme to absorb Ex-Junior Airmen and Airwomen into the Nigerian Air Force following additional basic military training.
This initiative, he said, will ensure the retention of core military values and boost the NAF’s human capital base. “This is not just a recruitment strategy; it is a pathway to sustaining the discipline, patriotism, and leadership instilled in these young boys and girls,” he said.
Turning to the graduating students, Air Marshal Abubakar commended their impressive turnout, sharp drills, and military precision. “You are the future of Nigeria,” he declared. “Lead with courage, serve with dignity, and never stop learning.”
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the leadership, academic and non-academic staff of the schools for their commitment to nurturing a new generation of disciplined, responsible, and capable leaders. “Your hard work may often go unseen, but your impact is immeasurable,” he said.
The CAS also used the occasion to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for youth development and military education. “Under his visionary leadership, we are witnessing a revitalised focus on education, infrastructure, and national capacity-building,” he said. “The strength of any nation lies not only in its arsenal but in the quality and character of its people.”
The event reached its grand finale with a spectacular parade and march-past by the graduating students, earning resounding applause from the audience.
Dignitaries, senior military officers, alumni, parents, and well-wishers graced the occasion, lending their voices and presence to a day that celebrated not only academic achievement, but the future of a nation built on discipline, purpose, and hope.
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