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

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has warned that any act of negligence on the part of commandants, staff or instructors in charge of the Nigerian Air Force schools nationwide that leads to injury or threat to the life of any student would not be tolerated.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal, Edward Gabkwet.

This comes less than a week after a student of the Air Force Comprehensive School, Kaduna, Blaise Aliyu, was reportedly punished to death by two of his senior colleagues.

Two SS3 students were said to have summoned Aliyu to their room and made him serve a punishment which resulted in his death.

Abubakar while interacting with the Commandant and some staff of Air Force Comprehensive School, Iyana-Offa in Ibadan, Oyo State, saidsaid that his utmost concern remains the safety, well-being and academic excellence of all students of Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools nationwide.

He added that any attempt to infringe on such priorities would not be tolerated.

He said, “It is your responsibility to follow laid down guidelines as well as other means in identifying red flags that may indicate gaps or lapses within your school environments to forestall avoidable incidents or tragedies. I will not condone any act that would lead to injuries or the death of any of our students.”

The CAS also stressed that the NAF remains dedicated and committed to providing a conducive learning environment, ensuring the overall development of students, and empowering them to reach their full potential.

“He then called on commandants and staff of NAF schools to always ensure they put the interest of the students first before any other interest. Air Marshal Abubakar went on to note that NAF’s investment in education is a vital aspect of its welfare package, aimed at supporting the families of personnel as well as those of civilians, while also contributing to the nation’s human capital development,” the statement added.

The PUNCH reports that the NAF currently runs 13 secondary schools nationwide, consisting of 9 boarding and 4 day schools with a total strength of 11,177 students as well as 21 primary schools spread across the country with a total strength of 13, 758 pupils.