NAF, UBEC strengthen partnership to boost safety and learning in Nigerian Schools

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have deepened their collaboration to improve security and learning conditions in schools across the country. This follows a courtesy visit by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, on 1 December 2025 in Abuja.

During the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke stressed that safeguarding education has become a national priority due to rising threats to schools. He said the Air Force is committed to supporting safe, inclusive and technologically advanced learning environments, especially within its 33 NAF-owned schools nationwide, which cater to both military and civilian children.

The CAS explained that the NAF has already introduced initiatives to upgrade facilities, promote digital learning and enhance teacher capacity. However, he noted that partnering more closely with UBEC will expand these efforts and accelerate the deployment of modern safety and learning technologies in schools. According to him, providing children with quality education in a secure environment remains crucial to building a stable and prosperous future for the country.

Air Marshal Aneke highlighted key areas where the two institutions can work together, including interventions to expand infrastructure in NAF schools, joint teacher training programmes, integration with UBEC’s digital learning platforms and improved quality assurance. He also expressed support for deeper involvement in the UBEC Safe School Programme to strengthen protection for schools, particularly in communities vulnerable to insecurity.

In her remarks, UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr Aisha Garba, welcomed the renewed collaboration and commended the NAF for contributing to national development beyond its defence responsibilities. She noted that security and education are interdependent and reaffirmed UBEC’s readiness to advance joint initiatives that enhance school safety, strengthen teaching and learning, and improve resilience within the basic education sector.

The engagement underscores the NAF’s commitment to supporting the national Safe School agenda and the broader Renewed Hope vision. Both organisations agreed that strong partnerships are essential to ensuring that every Nigerian child whether in military or civilian communities has access to quality education in a protected and enabling environment.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force
1 December 2025