By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM) in Kaduna has trained and graduated a new set of 47 medical personnel following their completion of an intensive four-week training programme.
The comprehensive skills upgrade targeted Air Force Medical personnel with qualifications as Pharmacy Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, X-ray Technician, Dental Technician, Preventive Health Technician, Dietetics Technician, Medical Records Technician, and Veterinary Assistance.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Nnamdi Ananaba, at the occasion, congratulated the graduands on their successful completion of the rigorous courses.
He explained that the graduation marked the culmination of their training phase, symbolizing the commencement of a new chapter that required unwavering commitment and dedication to service in order to achieve the overall operational objectives of the NAF in ensuring national security.
Air Marshal Abubakar urged the graduands to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge with innovation, focus, determination, and discipline, assuring that his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritize the health and well-being of personnel in order to bequeath a healthy and agile fighting force that is ready to tackle the current security challenges in the nation.
The Chief of Medical Services (CMS), AVM Anthony Ekpe, commended the CAS for his dedication to advancing deliberate training and mission-focused force development within NAF.
He stated that the tangible benefits of the initiative, particularly in areas of capacity building for the medical personnel, providing essential allowances, accreditation of the NAF School of Nursing, and enhancing public health and humanitarian services.
He encouraged the graduates to uphold the ethos of quality healthcare provision and strive for excellence in their respective medical specialities by demonstrating patriotism, discipline, and dedication to their duties is the most meaningful way to honour the substantial investment made in their training by the NAF.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFSMSAM, Air Commodore Rilwanu Abdullahi, pointed out that the courses’ strategic design is to equip the participants with essential knowledge and skills to operate as supervisors in their various medical specialties and qualifying them for a high-skill level for career progression in the NAF.
The Commandant revealed that the School has trained four sets of upgrading courses since inception as the gathering witnessed the graduation of the fifth set, stating that with the unwavering support of the CAS, the school will soon commence regular allied medical courses.
The Commandant expressed gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff for approving the integration of the Air Mobile and First Aid Unit (AMFAU) with NAFSMSAM, adding that AMFAU is a life support and emergency training unit established by the German Technical Assistance Group (GTAG) to enhance realistic training programmes for both medical and non-medical personnel in both emergency medical response and tactical combat casualty care.
