NAF commissions space research lab, new school projects in Kwara

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has completed and commissioned major development projects in Kwara State as part of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Special Intervention Programme. The projects, carried out on the orders of Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, focus on boosting education, research, and community welfare.

The interventions were coordinated by Air Vice Marshal Lanre Ibrahim Oluwatoyin (rtd) and delivered in two main areas ,the University of Ilorin and Babanloma community.

At the University of Ilorin, NAF built a modern Advanced Space Composite Laboratory (ASCO LAB) in partnership with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). The facility will support space science research, training, and innovation. To make access easier, NAF also constructed a 700-metre tarred road leading to the laboratory.

In Babanloma, the Service commissioned a newly built and fully furnished nursery and primary school at JNI College. The digital learning centre in the school was also renovated and upgraded with ICT tools and solar power. NAF further fixed and equipped the Corpers’ Lodge for NYSC members posted to the community.

The ASCO LAB was opened on 25 November 2025, while the Babanloma school and community projects were commissioned on 26 November 2025. Both events were organised by the Civil-Military Relations Branch.

Government officials, military representatives, retired senior officers, UNILORIN management, Kwara State cabinet members, and traditional rulers attended the ceremonies.

Representing the CAS, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the projects show the NAF’s commitment to using education and innovation to support national development and build stronger ties with communities.

AVM Lanre Ibrahim Oluwatoyin (rtd) thanked the CAS for trusting him to facilitate the projects, describing them as a contribution to the development of his host communities. Community leaders also praised the interventions, calling them transformative and beneficial to education and welfare.

The NAF says it will continue to deliver such projects nationwide to strengthen civil–military cooperation and support national growth.