The Nigerian Air Force (NAN), said  no fewer than 1, 190 recruits are expected to pass out on Saturday.

The Commandant,Military Training Centre (MTC), Air Commodore Hadi Ahmed, made the disclosure at the Beating of the Retreat in honour of Basic Military Training Course 44/2023, on Thursday at NAF Base, Kaduna.

Ahmed said, “The training of recruits in MTC is in line with one of the key drivers of the Chief of Air Staff Command Philosophy, which is “Deliberate Training and Mission-oriented Force development”.

According to him, the training is prioritised with emphasis on six  key objectives which included; physical fitness, mental alertness, weapon handling, field training, discipline,  regimentation and team-work through intensive drills.

Others were: Quality and timely provision of food as well as ensuring a clean, functional living environment, appropriate service knowledge, internal security duties and dangers of drug abuse.

Ahmed  appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for his timely intervention in providing the resources to meet our training efforts and aspirations.

The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) , Ground Training Command , AVM Usman Abdullahi, who is  the Guest of Honour at the occasion said  ‘beating of retreat’  marked the end of formal training for the recruits of the course.

He said , “This tradition dates back to the 16th century in England, where it signaled the end of the day’s fighting and called troops back to the castle.

”The Nigerian military use the occasion to reward trainees who distinguished themselves during the training session.

” Your training has been rigorous and challenging, covering both academics and outdoor tactical exercises.

“The Nigerian Air Force has incorporated contemporary asymmetric warfare into its training syllabus, preparing you for the complexities of modern warfare.”

Abdullahi urged the recruits to move forward, remembering that loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subordination to civil authority were paramount.

He added, ”Always prioritise national and service interests ahead of personal interests, and be prepared to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity at all costs.

”Uphold the NAF  values excellence, and I encourage you to strive for professional excellence throughout your careers.

”As you leave the training ground in a few days, remember to be good ambassadors of the MTC.

Abdullajhi changed them to embody the culture of discipline and responsibility, and avoid reckless use of equipment and resources.

He said, ”To those who received prizes, I offer my congratulations. Continue to develop your potential and strive for excellence.

 ”To those who didn’t receive prizes, don’t be discouraged; you have already achieved so much by completing this course.

”Keep up the good work so as to make NAF  a shining example in the sub region.”  (NAN)

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it will support climate change resilience initiatives in border communities.

Mr Adamu Adaji, Director General of the commission stated this during the 2024 end of year media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Adaji, who was represented by the Director of Internal Boundaries, Dr Bulus Emmanuel, said that the commission would implement projects designed to address coastal erosion, desertification, and resource-based conflicts.

He pledged to ensure representation and inclusion of women, youth, and marginalised groups in decision-making processes during the implementation of the climate change resilience initiative.

He further said that the NBC would equally promote regional and international cooperation, through advanced cross-border agreements.

This, according to him, will enhance security, stimulate trade, and foster regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

“We will also accelerate the resolution of boundary disputes by strengthening collaborations with state governments, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders.

“This will enable us to expedite dispute resolution and foster lasting peace.

“We will equally expand public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of boundaries in fostering unity and national development,” he said.

Adaji equally said that the commission would strengthen grassroots conflict resolution mechanisms to promote community-led approach to resolving boundary disputes.

This, he said, would be done by equipping local leaders and boundary communities with tools for resolving conflicts amicably and sustainably.

Adaji said that under the Community Resettlement Project, the NBC had supported communities affected by boundary realignments.

He said that so far, the commission had completed the construction of solar-powered boreholes in Banki town, Borno State and Hadejia in Jigawa State.

“These efforts are critical in improving the livelihoods of displaced populations and fostering peaceful coexistence.

“Through these initiatives, the commission has reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful boundary management, fostering cooperation with neighbouring countries, and enhancing the welfare of border communities,” he said.

On cross border cooperation, the D-G said that the commission was committed to regional and continental integration.

He said that at the national level, the NBC had operationalised bilateral platforms along Nigeria’s international boundaries.

“These platforms, covering Nigeria/Benin, Nigeria/Niger, Nigeria/Chad, Nigeria/Cameroon and Nigeria’s maritime borders, are promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation among border communities.

“At regional level, Nigeria has continued to champion free movement of people, goods and services with the West African sub region, under the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation initiative.

“At continental level, Nigeria had ratified the African Union Niamey Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation.

“This step had enhanced peaceful border management, strengthened border security, and unlocked economic opportunities under AfCFTA,” he said.

He, however, said that despite the achievements so far recorded, the commission was still faced with the challenge of limited resources, insecurity in certain regions, and stakeholder resistance.

He expressed the commitment of the commission to overcome the challenges through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. (NAN)

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved eight new degree programmes for the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi.

The new courses are to be offered in affiliation with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the college, Fatima Ahmad, on Friday in Kano.

According to her, the approval followed a successful resource verification visit by the NUC, which assessed the college’s human and material resources.

She also added that the new programmes were set to commence in the 2024/2025 academic session.

The newly introduced new academic programmes in affiliation with ATBU Bauchi, include: B.

Programmes with UNIJOS include: B.Ed. in Primary Education and Special Education.(NAN)