The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the promotion of Air Vice Marshal Osinachi Ubadike to the distinguished position of Professor of Aerospace Engineering. This appointment highlights the service’s ongoing commitment to advancing research and development (R&D) initiatives.
In a statement from the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, it was revealed that the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) approved the appointment. Air Vice Marshal Ubadike becomes the first-ever serving NAF officer to be granted a professorship.
Ubadike, a seasoned scholar and military professional, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. He also earned three other master’s degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), alongside a first-class Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from NDA. His work has included leading various high-profile research projects within the NAF, including the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which showcases the Air Force’s growing technical capabilities and strategic independence.
In a related development, the Governing Council of AFIT also appointed Air Vice Marshal (retired) Paul Jemitola as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Prof. Jemitola, the former Commandant of AFIT, is renowned for his expertise in aircraft design optimization and was the lead designer of the NAF UAV project. He holds both a Master’s degree and PhD from Cranfield University and is a chartered engineer in the United Kingdom. He currently serves as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Isaac Jasem Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos.
The conferment of these professorships reflects the vision of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who has prioritized technological advancements through education, capacity-building, and R&D. In his statement, the CAS emphasized that the NAF will continue to invest in its training institutions to reduce reliance on foreign expertise and foster homegrown capabilities in aerospace and national security.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
