The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), through its Kaduna Study Centre and the Special Study Centre for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Kaduna, has conducted a joint advocacy and sensitisation programme for personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
The training was aimed at promoting educational advancement through Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL).
The sensitisation programme, held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Shittu Akanji Alao Multipurpose Hall of the Air Force Base in Kaduna, was designed to raise awareness about NOUN's academic offerings, flexible learning model, and the numerous professional benefits available to military personnel.
Welcoming the NOUN delegation, the Squadron Leader, WVA Kaduna, commended the university for extending its educational outreach to the Air Force community.
He described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting that continuous education remains a critical driver of operational effectiveness, leadership development, and career progression within the Armed Forces.
He urged personnel to maximise the opportunity presented by the sensitisation programme, stressing that lifelong learning is indispensable in today's dynamic military environment.
The officer also reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote intellectual development and assured the NOUN team of the Base's readiness to deepen collaboration in expanding access to quality education for officers and airmen.
The lead presentation was delivered on behalf of the Director, Learner Support Services, by the Director of the NOUN Kaduna Study Centre, Dr. Babangida Iro.
The session combined advocacy with an interactive engagement designed to enhance the educational and professional development of Air Force personnel through the university's ODeL system.
Dr. Iro explained that ODeL provides learners with the flexibility to study at their own pace, time and location without interrupting their official duties, making it particularly suitable for military personnel with demanding operational schedules.
He highlighted NOUN's vision and mission of providing accessible, affordable and quality education to all Nigerians, regardless of location or circumstance.
He also traced the establishment of the NOUN Special Study Centre for the Nigerian Air Force to the university's commitment to bridging educational gaps within the military and bringing university education closer to service personnel.
Speaking on the relevance of higher education to military service, Dr. Iro emphasised that academic advancement enhances leadership capacity, strategic thinking and technological competence.
He noted that NOUN's flexible academic calendar enables military personnel to pursue their studies without disrupting their operational responsibilities.
He showcased programmes particularly relevant to Air Force personnel, including Management, Security Studies, Criminology, Psychology and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He also explained admission requirements and highlighted the University's comprehensive learner support services, including access to digital library resources, academic counselling and study facilitation.
According to him, NOUN offers several advantages, including affordable tuition, nationally recognised qualifications and enhanced career prospects.
He cited the success stories of serving officers who have earned degrees from the University while remaining in active service.
The presentation was followed by an interactive session during which participants sought clarification on admission procedures, result processing and inter-study centre transfers.
Members of the NOUN team provided detailed responses to all the questions raised.
In his remarks, Wing Commander M. Sambo encouraged personnel to take advantage of the opportunity to enrol at NOUN.
He noted that the university remains the only institution approved by Nigerian Air Force management for personnel seeking further education while in active service, as its flexible learning model eliminates the need to leave duty posts for classroom attendance.
Dr. Iro expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force Command for hosting the advocacy team and reaffirmed NOUN's commitment to supporting capacity building and professional development within the Force.
The programme renewed call on Air Force personnel to leverage NOUN's flexible learning platform to improve their academic qualifications, professional competence and overall career development.
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