By Usman Sani (Abuja)
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, making him the first-ever serving officer to be conferred the rank of professor.
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, says Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Ubadike is an accomplished scholar and military professional, with a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.
He also possesses three other Masters degrees from ABU Zaria and a first-class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics degree from the Nigeria Defence Academy, NDA.
The statement notes that Air Vice Marshal Ubadike 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.
In a related development, the governing council also confirmed the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Paul Jemitola (Rtd) as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering.
Professor Jemitola, the immediate past Commandant of AFIT, is an expert in multidisciplinary and multi-objective aircraft design optimization.
He holds a Master’s degree and a PhD from Cranfield University and was a lead designer of the NAF UAV project.
Professor Jemitola is a chartered engineer in the United Kingdom and currently serves as the acting Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos.
According to the statement, the conferment of the professorial rank is a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, who has prioritized technological advancement through education, capacity-building and R&D.
It adds that the approach reaffirms the Air Force’s commitment to academic excellence and R&D to cultivate homegrown expertise capable of meeting evolving national security and aerospace challenges.
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