By Nkechi Eze
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, has once again reaffirmed its reputation as Nigeria’s premier centre for technical manpower development and military innovation, as 302 officers, airmen, and airwomen successfully completed sundry professional courses during a colourful graduation ceremony held on 10 September 2025.
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the ceremony showcased AFIT’s enduring role as a multidisciplinary academic and research hub whose contributions have for nearly five decades strengthened aircraft maintenance, boosted operational readiness, and advanced Nigeria’s drive for self-reliance in airpower.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who was the Special Guest of Honour, lauded AFIT for maintaining its identity as a model institution defined by discipline, academic integrity, and technological advancement. “AFIT stands tall as one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, a reputation built on academic excellence, strict discipline, zero tolerance for strikes, and adherence to the principle of federal character. These values have firmly established it as a rallying point for technological advancement and a pillar of our national defence architecture,” he declared.
Air Marshal Abubakar drew attention to AFIT’s increasing relevance in national development, citing the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub on its premises as a landmark step toward achieving Nigeria’s technological sovereignty. He also pointed to AFIT’s recent tuition-free training for personnel of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport to support the Army Aviation Wing as evidence of growing inter-service cooperation and AFIT’s widening influence across the Armed Forces.
Turning to the graduands, the CAS urged them to see themselves as custodians of the NAF’s new-generation aircraft and assets. “You are now the custodians of these platforms, entrusted with their safety, airworthiness, and mission readiness. The Service looks to you to apply your skills with precision, innovation, and dedication, ensuring that our assets remain combat-ready at all times,” he charged.
He further admonished them to uphold the Service’s core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence, stressing that professionalism and discipline remain indispensable to Nigeria’s efforts at defeating terrorism and insurgency. “By living up to these ideals, you will not only help defeat terrorism and insurgency but also make our beloved country a bastion of peace, progress, and sustainable development,” he added.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “visionary and outstanding leadership” and his unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He also commended the National Assembly, Ministry of Defence, AFIT Governing Council, and other stakeholders for their steadfast oversight and contributions to the Institute’s success.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, thanked the Chief of the Air Staff for his continuous support to the Institute. He noted that under the present leadership, AFIT has recorded remarkable improvements in infrastructure, training programmes, and research activities, further elevating its reputation as a centre of excellence. He assured that the Institute remains committed to producing disciplined and highly skilled professionals capable of enhancing the NAF’s operational effectiveness while contributing to Nigeria’s national development.
The ceremony featured the presentation of gifts to outstanding graduates who distinguished themselves during training. In a symbolic moment, Air Marshal Abubakar personally presented awards, recalling with nostalgia his own days as a student of AFIT where he emerged as the best graduating student in the Officer Engineering Course of 1992 and best student in the Aeromechanical Department.
The graduation, which drew dignitaries, partners, families of the graduands, and members of the wider defence community, was widely seen as another milestone affirming AFIT’s pivotal role in building the technical capacity essential for Nigeria’s defence and regional security.
