The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 90 medical specialists, reinforcing its commitment to medical readiness as a strategic component of national defence.
During the combined graduation ceremony for the Sundry Medical A1 Upgrade Course 6/2025 and Basic Medical Course 3/2025, held at the NAF School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM) in Kaduna, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, highlighted the essential role of medical services in supporting NAF operations.
He stressed the Air Force’s ongoing investment in both personnel training and medical infrastructure to address evolving security and health needs.
“NAF takes pride in its medical professionals and the network of 13 hospitals, 41 well-equipped medical centres and clinics, and two schools of medical sciences, including the growing NAFSMSAM,” he said.
Abubakar revealed that several personnel have received specialist training in aviation medicine both within and outside Nigeria, significantly reducing the number of medically underqualified airmen and airwomen. The Basic Medical Course, he noted, has opened new career opportunities for non-trade personnel in medical services.
He also praised the progress made at NAFSMSAM, which now boasts full accreditation from several professional regulatory bodies, including the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the Medical Laboratory Science Council.
The Air Marshal approved key infrastructure projects, including a 345-bed joint-user accommodation for NAFSMSAM and the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences (NAFCONS), and a Computer-Based Testing Centre currently under review.
“Our commitment to welfare, training, and professionalism remains central to my command philosophy,” Abubakar said, affirming NAF’s dual mission of defending Nigeria and protecting the health of its citizens.
Commandant of NAFSMSAM, Air Commodore Rilwanu Abdullahi, described the training as instrumental in strengthening the medical services branch. He explained that the four-week A1 Upgrade Course enhances existing expertise, while the three-month Basic Medical Course lays the groundwork for future specialisation. He urged graduates to uphold the highest professional standards.
To further support personnel welfare, Air Marshal Abubakar commissioned several new facilities at NAF Base Barkallahu, including quarters for instructors, 30 one-bedroom units for married non-commissioned officers, and 12 units for single officers.
“These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our officers, airmen, and airwomen,” he added.