NAF chief warns school heads against negligence, others after student's death

• Published On: 27 June 2024 at 19:40

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has cautioned that any act of negligence on the part of commandants, staff, or instructors in charge of Nigerian Air Force schools across the country that causes injury or endangers the life of any student will not be condoned.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, issued a statement on Thursday.

This comes less than a week after Blaise Aliyu, a student at the Air Force Comprehensive School in Kaduna, was purportedly sentenced to death by two senior colleagues.

Two SS3 pupils were claimed to have brought Aliyu to their room and subjected him to a punishment that culminated in his death.

During an interaction with the Commandant and some staff of Air Force Comprehensive School, Iyana-Offa in Ibadan, Oyo State, Abubakar stated that his top priority is the safety, well-being, and academic excellence of all Air Force comprehensive and secondary school pupils nationally.

He further stated that any attempt to infringe on such priorities would not be accepted.

He stated, "It is your job to follow established rules as well as other methods in spotting red flags that may suggest gaps or deficiencies within your school surroundings in order to prevent unnecessary events or tragedies. I will not tolerate any behaviour that would result in the injury or death of any of our pupils.

The CAS further stated that the NAF remains focused and committed to providing a conducive learning environment, assuring students' overall growth, and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

"He then urged commandants and personnel at NAF schools to always prioritise the students' interests over all other considerations. Air Marshal Abubakar went on to say that the NAF's investment in education is an important part of its welfare package, aiming at supporting both personnel and civilian families while also contributing to the country's human capital development.

According to NIGERIANWATCH, the NAF currently operates 13 secondary schools around the country, including 9 boarding and 4 day schools, with a total enrollment of 11,177 students, as well as 21 elementary schools with a total enrollment of 13,758 kids.