Abuja: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inaugurated an Advanced Space Composite Laboratory (ASCO LAB) at the University of Ilorin and critical education infrastructure upgrades at JNI College Babanloma, all in Kwara.
The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ejodame said the projects were part of a series of Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Special Intervention Projects (SIP) across the state.
He said the projects had reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to national development and strengthening civil–military cooperation.
According to him, the projects were undertaken under the directive of CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke. The projects reflect the Service’s resolve to support education, research advancement, and community welfare as strategic enablers of national security.
Ejodame said the interventions were coordinated and facilitated by retired AVM Lanre Oluwatoyin, were executed in honour of the senior officer within his host communities and delivered in two major clusters.
He said the ASCO LAB, developed through a technical collaboration between NAF and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), stands as a state-of-the-art centre for space science, composite materials research, and applied aerospace innovation.
“The facility will serve as a national hub for training, experimentation, and industry-relevant research, thereby expanding Nigeria’s capacity to harness space technologies for economic development, defence readiness, and scientific advancement.
“To enhance accessibility to the new laboratory, the Service also constructed a 700-metre tarred access road, providing improved mobility for students, researchers, and residents of the surrounding community.”
According to him, the second phase of the CAS Special Intervention Projects focused on foundational education in Babanloma, where the NAF delivered substantial upgrades to improve learning outcomes and community welfare.
These included the construction and complete furnishing of a modern nursery and primary school complex at JNIC, the refurbishment and ICT upgrade of the school’s digital learning centre powered by solar energy.
“It also includes the renovation and equipping of the Corps’ Lodge for the benefit of National Youth Service Corps members posted to the community.
“Collectively, these projects aim to strengthen early childhood education, enhance digital literacy, and promote a conducive environment for academic and social development,” he said.
Ejodame said the projects were executed by the Civil-Military Relations (CMR) Branch in fulfilment of its mandate to implement CAS Special Intervention Programmes nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the CAS, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the projects reflected the NAF’s growing emphasis on non-kinetic operations to foster trust, strengthen partnerships, and uplift host communities.
Gabkwet stated that the interventions align with the CAS’s vision of leveraging education, innovation, and community engagement as complementary pillars of airpower and national resilience.
He reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to supporting Federal Government initiatives in science, technology, and grassroots development.
In his remarks, retired AVM Oluwatoyin expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to facilitate the projects in honour of his service and family legacy.
He thanked the CAS for the trust reposed in him and commended all stakeholders for their commitment, which ensured the timely and high-quality execution of the interventions.
Also, community leaders and beneficiaries described the projects as transformative, noting that they will significantly enhance learning outcomes, improve welfare, and strengthen bonds between the military and civilian populations.
