The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has championed the nationwide adoption of the Air Mobile First Aid training program developed by the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences (NAFCONS). This innovative program equips nurses with the essential skills and knowledge to provide rapid and effective medical assistance in diverse and challenging environments, ranging from aeromedical evacuations to austere and resource-limited settings. Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the program’s potential to revolutionize emergency healthcare delivery across Nigeria, advocating for its integration into the national nursing curriculum to ensure widespread availability and standardized training. He highlighted the program as a national asset, transcending its military origins, and stressed its vital role in shaping the future of emergency medical response throughout the country. Air Marshal Abubakar delivered these remarks during the matriculation ceremony for 120 new students at NAFCONS, underscoring the importance of this initiative in the broader context of national healthcare development.
The Air Chief, represented at the event by the Chief of Medical Services, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Ekpe, lauded the synergistic partnership between NAFCONS and the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine. This collaboration, he noted, serves as a model for enhancing national preparedness for crisis response and delivering effective emergency care in complex and often difficult-to-access terrains. The joint effort strengthens the capacity of both institutions to train highly skilled medical professionals capable of handling a wide range of emergency situations. This integrated approach not only improves the quality of healthcare provided within the military but also contributes to the overall enhancement of emergency medical services available to the civilian population. By fostering this interdisciplinary collaboration, the Nigerian Air Force is actively contributing to the development of a more robust and responsive national healthcare system.
Air Marshal Abubakar further commended NAFCONS for its consistent pursuit of excellence in nursing education, setting new benchmarks in the training of healthcare professionals. He praised the institution’s ability to produce not only competent but also compassionate nurses, individuals equipped with both the technical skills and the empathy necessary to provide high-quality patient care. The Air Chief highlighted the college’s success in creating a values-driven academic environment, fostering unity and collaboration among students from both military and civilian backgrounds. This inclusive approach strengthens the overall healthcare workforce by training professionals who are prepared to serve diverse communities and contribute to the nation’s health and well-being.
The Commandant of NAFCONS, Squadron Leader Boyi Elisha, expressed his gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of Medical Services, and key regulatory bodies, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the National Board for Technical Education, for their unwavering support. This support, he noted, has been instrumental in enabling NAFCONS to achieve its mission of providing world-class nursing education. He emphasized the college’s unwavering commitment to equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in both civilian and military healthcare settings, contributing significantly to the overall improvement of healthcare services nationwide.
Squadron Leader Elisha proudly highlighted NAFCONS’ impressive 100% success rate in national licensing examinations. This achievement, he stated, is a testament to the high standards of education and training provided at the college and reflects the dedication and hard work of both the faculty and students. The consistent achievement of a perfect pass rate demonstrates the effectiveness of the curriculum and the commitment of NAFCONS to producing highly qualified and competent nursing professionals.
The call for nationwide adoption of the Air Mobile First Aid training underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to not only enhancing its own medical capabilities but also contributing to the improvement of the nation’s overall healthcare system. By sharing this innovative program and advocating for its integration into the national nursing curriculum, the Air Force is playing a proactive role in strengthening emergency medical response capacity across the country. This initiative reflects a broader vision of utilizing military expertise and resources to address critical civilian needs, ultimately contributing to the well-being and resilience of the nation as a whole.
