By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved a significant milestone with the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chinedu Ubadike as Professor of Aerospace Engineering, marking the first time a serving officer has been conferred with the rank of Professor.
Director of public relations and information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame in an official signed statement, disclosed that the appointment is a major boost to the NAF’s research and development (R&D) endeavors.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen, AVM Ubadike is a highly accomplished scholar and military professional, with a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from the esteemed Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. He also possesses three other Master’s degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), and a First-Class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics Engineering degree from NDA.
He further disclosed that Professor Ubadike has led several cutting-edge research initiatives within the NAF, including the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV project showcases the Air Force’s expanding technical capabilities and strategic independence.
Also, in a related development, the NAF’s Governing Council has also confirmed the appointment of Air Vice Marshal (retired) Paul Jemitola as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Professor Jemitola, the immediate past Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), is highly respected for his expertise in multidisciplinary and multi-objective aircraft design optimization. He holds a Master’s degree and PhD from Cranfield University and was the lead designer of the NAF UAV project. Professor Jemitola is a chartered engineer in the United Kingdom and currently serves as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos.
The appointments of Professors Ubadike and Jemitola are a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubikaar, who’s priority remains hinged on technological advancement through education, capacity-building, and R&D. According to the CAS “the NAF will continue to invest in the empowerment of its flagship training and capacity development institutions to progressively minimize dependence on foreign expertise.”
This approach reaffirms the Air Force’s commitment to academic excellence and R&D, aiming to cultivate homegrown expertise capable of meeting evolving national security and aerospace challenges.
