NAF appoints first serving Professor as Air Vice Marshal, strengthens focus on research and innovation

In a groundbreaking achievement for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has approved the elevation of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike to the rank of Professor, making him the Force’s first-ever serving officer to attain this academic distinction. This marks a significant step in NAF’s pursuit of research, development, and academic excellence.

Ubadike, a distinguished academic and military officer, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University, alongside three additional Master’s degrees and a First-Class Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He has spearheaded key projects within NAF, including the development of the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), enhancing the Force’s technical capabilities and operational independence.

The Council also appointed retired Air Vice Marshal Paul Jemitola as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Jemitola, a former Commandant of AFIT, holds a PhD and Master’s degree from Cranfield University, was a lead designer in the NAF UAV project, and currently serves as Acting Vice Chancellor at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos.

These appointments align with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who emphasised NAF’s commitment to fostering local expertise through education, research, and capacity-building to reduce reliance on foreign technical support.

This was contained in a statement on the agency’s X handle on Sunday, April 27.

The statement partly reads:

“In a landmark achievement for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and a major boost to its research and development (R&D) endeavours, the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. This makes him the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor.

“Air Vice Marshal Ubadike, an accomplished scholar and military professional, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from the esteemed Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. He also possesses three other Master’s degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), with a First-Class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics Engineering degree from NDA. He 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). The UAV project demonstrates the Air Force’s expanding technical capabilities and strategic independence.

“In a related announcement, the Governing Council also confirmed the appointment of Air Vice Marshal (retired) 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. He holds a Master’s degree and a PhD from Cranfield University and was the lead designer of the NAF UAV project. He is a chartered engineer in the United Kingdom and currently serves as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>>