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*Air Force Institute graduates 432 officers
The Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna has graduated a total of 432 officers and airmen/airwomen.
The ceremony, attended by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, produced skilled manpower for Nigeria's aviation, aerospace and defence sector.
Abubakar said the “ceremony reaffirms the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to technical education as a crucial tool in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”
He also commended the Commandant’s efforts in addressing pressing challenges and praised the shift towards practical-oriented learning.
“This paradigm shift, driven by recent curriculum changes, has successfully harmonised academic rigours with hands-on training to produce technically proficient graduates,” he noted.
He noted, “My command's philosophy to transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments, is fast becoming a reality.
“Between October last year and now, the Nigerian Air Force has inducted 12 brand new aircraft including 4 x Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 x King Air 360 light transport aircraft and 4 x T-129 ATAK helicopters as well as 2 x AW109 Trekker.
“Pending acquisitions on the horizon include 3 x CASA-295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 10 x AW 109 Trekker, 12 x AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 x M-346 attack aircraft.
“In other words, the Nigerian Air Force will take additional delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.”
Explaining further, Abubakar said NAF had also focused on predictive maintenance, cutting-edge technology, and indigenous military manufacturing through Research and Development.
He further said, “It may also interest you to know that the Nigerian Air Force, under my leadership, has focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology and advancing indigenous military manufacturing through research and development.
“We are currently partnering with UA Vision of Portugal to operationalise the TSAIGUMI UAV in Nigeria. I encourage those of you with skills and passion for research and development to join this initiative.”
He urged the graduates to apply their knowledge to solving practical problems, while ensuring the safety and airworthiness of new-generation aircraft.
“Your knowledge, along with adherence to our core values, will enable us to defeat terrorism and insurgency, making Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda a reality for all Nigerians,” Abubakar emphasised.
Earlier in his address, AFIT Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Saleh Rabe, congratulated the graduating students, urging them to be good ambassadors of the institution.
