The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 90 medical specialists, reinforcing its steadfast dedication to medical services as a vital component of its operational framework.
During the combined graduation ceremony of the Sundry Medical A1 Upgrade Course 6/2025 and Basic Medical Course 3/2025 at the NAF School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM) in Kaduna, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasised the strategic role of medical services within the NAF.
He highlighted the Air Force’s focus on developing its medical personnel, enhancing both their skills and the infrastructure required to address contemporary security and health challenges.
“NAF takes pride in its medical professionals, supported by a network of 13 hospitals, 41 well-equipped medical centres and clinics, and two medical schools, including the rapidly growing NAFSMSAM,” he said.
The CAS revealed that many NAF medical personnel have received specialised training in aviation medicine, both domestically and abroad, significantly reducing the backlog of airmen and airwomen with limited medical skills.
He noted that the Basic Medical Course has created career opportunities for non-trades personnel, enabling them to specialise within the medical services branch.
Abubakar also highlighted the institutional advancements at NAFSMSAM, which is now fully accredited by organisations such as the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, and the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria.
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In terms of infrastructure, Abubakar approved the construction of a 345-bed joint-user accommodation for NAFSMSAM and the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences (NAFCONS), as well as a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centre, which is currently under review.
Reaffirming the NAF’s dual responsibility of national defence and safeguarding citizens’ health, he stated, “Our commitment to welfare, training, and professionalism remains central to my command philosophy.”
Earlier, Air Commodore Rilwanu Abdullahi, Commandant of NAFSMSAM, described the training programmes as essential in enhancing the human capacity of the NAF’s medical services.
He explained that the A1 Upgrade Course, a four-week programme, provides advanced skills, while the Basic Medical Course, a three-month programme, lays the foundation for future medical specialisation.
Abdullahi affirmed that NAFSMSAM has become one of Nigeria’s top allied health institutions, offering fully accredited diploma courses.
He urged the graduating students to maintain the highest standards of professionalism throughout their careers.
In addition, Air Marshal Abubakar commissioned new welfare projects at the NAF Base in Barkallahu, including Instructors’ Quarters, 30 one-bedroom units for married non-commissioned officers, and 12 one-bedroom transit quarters for single officers.
“These projects demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our officers, airmen, and airwomen,” he concluded.
