ORONSAYE REPORT: OUTCRY FROM INTERESTED PARTIES AS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROCEEDS WITH CONSOLIDATING AFIT INTO NDA

There is a growing apprehension regarding the decision to merge the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), as proposed by the Oronsaye panel report.

On February 27, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the implementation of the report, which suggests abolishing certain government agencies and institutions to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. The recommendation includes merging the Nigerian Army University (NAUB) and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

During the 7th Matriculation Ceremony of AFIT, Professor Kabir Bala, the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, addressed concerns, referring to the decision as a policy matter. He pointed out that the AFIT and NAUB Acts were enacted after the Oronsaye report, and it remains to be seen how the government will resolve this.

Air Vice Marshal Sani Rabe, the Commandant of AFIT, expressed his views, stating that those behind the recommendation may not have a comprehensive understanding of AFIT’s operations. He emphasized that the institution was initially established exclusively for providing manpower training to Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel in logistics, armament, aircraft maintenance, and communication. However, it was later opened to the public, allowing civilians to benefit from the available facilities.

Maryam Ahmadu-Suka, Kaduna; From the News Source: DailyTrust