The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique B. Abubakar and his team paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC) Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed in his office. The visit was a follow up on the previous proposal by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna to be upgraded to a degree awarding Institution.
The Chief of Air Staff said that the move was necessitated by the Air Force’s drive and vision for capacity building in specialised areas for national development. He explained that with the growing population of Nigeria, creating alternatives for youths and enhancing specialised fields would not only serve the country, but also add value to the Nigerian University System (NUS).
He further stated that this would be a measure towards reducing the number of personnel who have to travel overseas for degrees in the specialised programmes proposed by AFIT. He expressed gratitude for the support and professional guidance from the NUC, which had enabled AFIT to progressively achieve its goals.
In his response, the Executive Secretary, NUC, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, mni, MFR, FNAL said that after careful study of the required documents submitted by AFIT, there was adequate evidence that the visiting team was fully prepared.
Professor Rasheed informed the visiting team that in the next few weeks, the Commission’s delegation led by the Director, Academic Planning, Dr. Gidado Kumo, would be visiting the Institution for Resource Verification.
This would enable NUC prepare a proposal to the Honourable Minister of Education on the intention and preparedness of the Institute for licence. The Executive Secretary explained that the approval from the Minister would not mean an automatic commencement of the programmes, as there would be need for a few more visits for proper checks and guidance.
The NUC Scribe told the team that it was in the interest of the NUC to approve more qualified Institutions to cater for Nigeria’s growing population. As a result, unique additions to the NUS like specialised courses were welcome. Professor Rasheed added that Institutions with specialisations in different courses would guarantee the future of the NUS. The highlight of the meeting was presentation of a copy of the Bench Mark Minimum Academic Standard (BMAS) for Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.
The Air Vice Mashal was accompanied by the provost of the institute, Registrar and Air Vice Marshal O.A. Adesanya, Director Public Relation and Information, Nigerian Airforce Headquarters as well as other entourage including Press crew of the Nigerian Airforce Headquarters. The meeting was attended by most of the NUC Management staff.