The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria is set to collaborate with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to enhance the training and certification of Air Force personnel through a formal academic partnership.
The initiative was revealed during a visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM), led by Wing Commander Adesola Adeyanju. The visit, carried out on the directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and Air Vice Marshal Mohamed Yussuf, Chief of NAFIAM, aimed to initiate discussions on a strategic collaboration between the military training body and the institution, according to a press release signed by Soladoye Adewole, Public Relations Officer of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Wing Commander Adeyanju noted that while NAFIAM, established in 2014, currently issues internal certificates for its Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced programmes, these are not recognized outside the Nigerian Air Force. He said the partnership seeks to upgrade these certifications by aligning them with the National Diploma qualifications of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The proposed collaboration will be facilitated through the institution’s Open Distance Flexible E-learning (ODFeL) programme, which offers a flexible learning structure suitable for the unique professional schedules of military personnel.
Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, the Acting Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, welcomed the proposal, expressing appreciation for the Air Force’s interest in the institution. He described the partnership as a strategic step towards boosting the Polytechnic’s national relevance and academic outreach. He also suggested that both parties begin work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the collaboration.
Supporting the proposal, Acting Registrar Mr. Joseph Adewumi Ogunjimi stressed the importance of aligning the partnership with the standards of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He noted that while full institutional affiliation may not be feasible, alternative academic frameworks could be adopted to ensure compliance.
Dr. Florence Babalola, Director of the Open Distance Flexible E-learning programme, proposed the formation of a technical committee to assess the feasibility and regulatory requirements of the programme.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both the Nigerian Air Force and The Polytechnic, Ibadan expressing confidence in the partnership’s potential to elevate the standard of training and education among military personnel.
See also: Ibadan Poly Releases Academic Calendar as Students Resume April 14
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