By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and operational readiness with the graduation of 165 personnel from the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) after three months of intensive upgrading courses. The graduands were trained in Administration, Music, Physical Education, and Catering—specialized fields that play critical roles in sustaining airpower projection and enhancing national security.
The ceremony, which underscored NAF’s focus on capacity building as the bedrock of efficiency, showcased how skills in administration ensure seamless operations, music boosts morale, physical education enhances combat fitness, and catering sustains troops in demanding environments. Collectively, these competencies provide vital support to the Service’s mission of safeguarding the nation and protecting citizens’ lives and property.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC-GTC), Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Shinkafi, commended the graduands for successfully completing their courses and charged them to put their newly acquired skills to practical use. He emphasized that under the visionary leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the NAF has deliberately invested in capacity development as a driver of operational effectiveness. “Training and retraining remain indispensable in sustaining professionalism within the Service. I urge you to embrace continuous learning as a culture and apply the knowledge gained here to enhance efficiency in your various formations,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Commandant of NAFIAM, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Yusuf, reaffirmed the Institute’s dedication to providing high-quality training in human resource management, leadership, and administration. He disclosed that since June 2023, the Institute has trained 18 officers from the Ghana Air Force and currently has personnel from both the Nigerian Navy and Ghana Navy undergoing courses. According to him, these initiatives not only elevate the quality of NAF’s human resource capacity but also strengthen regional military cooperation.
He stressed that by opening its doors to officers from sister services and allied nations, NAFIAM continues to project excellence and foster international collaboration. “Through these programmes, the Nigerian Air Force demonstrates its adaptability, professionalism, and readiness to safeguard both national and regional security interests,” he added.
The graduation further reinforces NAF’s philosophy that capacity building is integral to projecting airpower and sustaining operational effectiveness. With the continuous investment in manpower development, the Service positions itself as a force capable of responding decisively to security challenges at home and contributing meaningfully to regional stability.
