For nearly five decades, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has faithfully fulfilled its mandate as the premier source of technical manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), while steadily evolving into a multidisciplinary academic and research centre of excellence. Its enduring impact is evident in the production of highly skilled professionals, pioneering research, and innovative solutions that have enhanced aircraft maintenance, improved operational readiness, and advanced Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in airpower employment.
This reputation of excellence was once again on display as 302 officers, airmen, and airwomen graduated from AFIT’s sundry military courses during a colourful ceremony held on 10 September 2025 in Kaduna. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, praised the institution for remaining a model of discipline, academic integrity, and technological advancement in Nigeria. “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,” the CAS declared.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted AFIT’s growing role in national development, citing the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub on its premises as a bold step toward advancing Nigeria’s technological sovereignty. He also noted AFIT’s recent tuition-free training of personnel from the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport for the Army Aviation Wing, describing it as evidence of inter-service cooperation and AFIT’s expanding influence across the Armed Forces. Addressing the graduands, the CAS charged them to take ownership of Nigeria’s new-generation aircraft. “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 stated.
He further urged the graduands to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning, and uphold the NAF’s core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence. “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 said. The CAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary and outstanding leadership” and 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 consistent oversight and contributions to the Institute’s success.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his unwavering support to the Institute. He noted that under the current leadership, AFIT has witnessed remarkable growth in infrastructure, training programmes, and research initiatives, all of which continue to elevate its status as a centre of excellence. He assured that the Institute remains committed to producing disciplined, highly skilled professionals and driving innovations that would further enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force and contribute to national development.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of gifts to outstanding awardees who distinguished themselves during the course. In a symbolic gesture, the Chief of the Air Staff personally presented gifts to the awardees, recalling his own days as a student of AFIT where he emerged the best graduating student in the Officer Engineering Course of 1992 and best graduating student in the Aeromechanical Department. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, partners, and families of the graduands, reaffirmed AFIT’s status as a centre of excellence dedicated to building the technical capacity required for national defence and regional security.
Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.
