The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has partnered with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to prevent terrorist attacks on schools. The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit to UBEC by Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Monday.
Air Marshal Aneke told UBEC officials that the partnership will strengthen national education security. It will protect learning environments from evolving threats. “Collaboration between security agencies and educational stakeholders has become critical,” he added.
NAF Steps Up School Safety Measures
The partnership comes after recent abductions of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states. These incidents highlighted the urgent need for tighter security.
Air Marshal Aneke welcomed deeper cooperation under UBEC’s Safe School Programme. The goal is to monitor, secure, and protect basic education institutions, especially in conflict-prone areas.
He also highlighted NAF’s role in promoting safe, inclusive, and technology-driven education. The force runs 33 schools, including 20 primary and 13 secondary institutions. These schools serve both military and civilian populations.
Key Areas for Collaboration
The CAS outlined priority areas for the partnership. These include upgrading NAF schools to accommodate more students, collaborative teacher training programs, integration into UBEC’s digital platforms, and joint quality assurance measures.
He stressed that stronger collaboration will expand the reach of safe-school technologies and modern learning systems.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, welcomed the collaboration. She said: “No education system can thrive without safety. No security framework is complete without education.” She reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to sustained engagement. This will enhance school safety, improve learning delivery, and build resilience in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
The NAF and UBEC partnership marks a key step toward securing Nigeria’s schools against insurgent threats. It also promotes innovation and inclusive learning nationwide.
