In a landmark achievement for the Nigerian Air Force and a major boost to its research and development endeavours, the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Ubadike as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. This makes him the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame
Indicates that Air Vice Marshal Ubadike, an accomplished scholar and military professional has led several cutting-edge research initiatives within the NAF, including his pivotal role in the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) which demonstrates the Air Force’s expanding technical capabilities and strategic independence.
The Governing Council also confirmed the appointment of Retired Air Vice Marshal Paul Jemitola as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering.
Professor Jemitola, the immediate past Commandant of AFIT, is widely respected for his expertise in multidisciplinary and multi-objective aircraft design optimization.
The conferment of the professors is a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who has prioritized technological advancement through education, capacity-building, and R&D.
The CAS stated that 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 to cultivate homegrown expertise capable of meeting evolving national security and aerospace challenges.
