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 research, innovation, and academic advancement. This legacy was reaffirmed on 10 September 2025 in Kaduna, as 302 officers, Airmen, and Airwomen graduated from various military courses during a colourful ceremony. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who served as Special Guest of Honour, praised AFIT for its enduring impact on national defence. “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,” he remarked.
Highlighting AFIT’s role in national development, the CAS cited the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub and recent tuition-free training of Nigerian Army personnel as examples of its growing influence across the Armed Forces. Addressing the graduands, he charged them to safeguard the Service’s new-generation aircraft with utmost professionalism. “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.
The Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, thanked the CAS for his unwavering support, noting the significant growth in infrastructure, training, and research under his leadership. He assured that AFIT remains committed to producing disciplined and highly skilled professionals to sustain Nigeria’s defence capacity. In a symbolic gesture, the CAS personally presented gifts to awardees, recalling his own days as a student at AFIT where he emerged as the best graduating student in the Officer Engineering Course of 1992 and also the best graduating student in the Aeromechanical Department.
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