By Nkechi Eze
In a significant stride toward institutional development and professional military education, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, commissioned the newly established NAF School of Finance and Accounts in Ajia, Ibadan, Oyo State. The facility is expected to serve as a centre of excellence for training personnel in financial management, accountability, and administrative efficiency.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Special Guest of Honour, Colonel James Ajibola (retired), commended the Nigerian Air Force for its vision in establishing the school. He described the commissioning as a testament to the NAF’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and capacity building.
“This moment is not just about inaugurating a structure,” Governor Makinde remarked through his representative, “it’s about reinforcing professionalism, accountability, and excellence in finance administration within our armed forces. We are proud to host this institution here in Oyo State, and we believe it will contribute meaningfully to both national security and economic governance.”
The Governor also acknowledged the strategic importance of locating such a specialized institution in Oyo State, noting that it aligns with his administration’s developmental priorities and commitment to enhancing education and infrastructure.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, at the event was the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Air Vice Marshal CU Nwagwu, who praised Governor Makinde’s administration for generously allocating land for the project. He further applauded the Governor’s leadership for transforming the state into an increasingly attractive destination for institutional and security investments.
In his remarks, Air Vice Marshal Nwagwu conveyed the CAS’s message of appreciation and reaffirmed the NAF’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and financial integrity. “The establishment of this school is not only a milestone for the Nigerian Air Force, but a deliberate step in deepening the culture of accountability and excellence in military finance,” he stated.
He explained that the School of Finance and Accounts would enhance the capacity of Air Force personnel by equipping them with the requisite knowledge and tools to efficiently manage the resources entrusted to them. According to him, the institution will provide tailored courses in financial planning, auditing, budgeting, and defence resource management, all in line with global best practices.
Also present at the ceremony were senior NAF officers, government officials, traditional leaders, and members of the Ajia community. The event featured a tour of the school’s facilities, including lecture halls, administrative blocks, and accommodation areas designed to support a conducive learning environment for trainees.
The commissioning of the NAF School of Finance and Accounts underscores the Air Force’s broader commitment to strengthening its internal systems and boosting national development through education and accountability. It also reflects the growing synergy between Nigeria’s armed forces and subnational governments in driving development-oriented security initiatives.
With the school now operational, stakeholders have expressed optimism that it will foster a new generation of finance professionals within the military—capable of sustaining the integrity, efficiency, and discipline required in contemporary defence administration.
