The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has lauded the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) for its enduring legacy of discipline, excellence, and innovation as the institution graduated 302 officers, airmen, and airwomen from various military courses.
The colourful graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Kaduna, showcased AFIT’s role as the premier source of technical manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and its growing reputation as a multidisciplinary centre of academic and research excellence.
In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar described AFIT as “one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in Nigeria,” praising its culture of academic integrity, discipline, and technological advancement.
He highlighted AFIT’s contributions to national development, including hosting the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub and providing tuition-free training for Nigerian Army personnel under the Army Aviation Wing.
Charging the graduands to embrace professionalism and innovation, the CAS said:
“You are now the custodians of Nigeria’s new-generation aircraft, entrusted with their safety, airworthiness, and mission readiness. Apply your skills with precision and dedication to keep our assets combat-ready at all times.”
He further urged them to uphold the NAF’s core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence, stressing that their commitment would strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and ensure sustainable national development.
Air Marshal Abubakar also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” and consistent support to the Armed Forces, while commending the National Assembly, Ministry of Defence, and AFIT Governing Council for their contributions to the institute’s growth.
Earlier, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, acknowledged the CAS’s support, noting that AFIT has recorded remarkable strides in infrastructure, training programmes, and research under his leadership.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to producing disciplined, highly skilled professionals who will strengthen the nation’s defence architecture.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards to outstanding graduands, with the CAS personally handing out gifts and recalling his own days as an AFIT student, where he emerged best graduating student in 1992.
Dignitaries, partners, and families of the graduands attended the event, which once again underscored AFIT’s central role in advancing Nigeria’s airpower self-reliance and regional security.