The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria, has graduated 302 officers, airmen, and airwomen from various military courses during a ceremony held in the state.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Nigerian Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the institute for upholding the values of discipline, academic integrity, and technological progress.
He said that “AFIT’s reputation is anchored on excellence, strict discipline, zero tolerance for industrial strikes, and adherence to federal character principles, making it one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.”
Air Marshal Abubakar further emphasised that these values have positioned AFIT as a rallying point for technological innovation and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence architecture.
CAS CELEBRATES AFIT’s LEGACY OF DISCIPLINE AND EXCELLENCE AS 302 PERSONNEL GRADUATE
For nearly five decades, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has stood as the premier source of technical manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and a centre of excellence in… pic.twitter.com/LA3fvzlA5v
— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) September 10, 2025
He lauded the graduates for their dedication to service and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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 of 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 of 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 as the best graduating student in the Officer Engineering Course of 1992 and the 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.
For nearly five decades, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has provided technical manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and expanded into a multidisciplinary centre for research and academic training.
Its work includes producing skilled professionals, conducting research, and developing solutions that support aircraft maintenance, operational readiness, and Nigeria’s efforts toward self-reliance in airpower.