KEY POINTS

• Air Vice Marshal Ubadike became NAF’s first serving Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

• Ubadike contributed significantly to the indigenous NAF UAV development project.

• NAF reaffirmed its commitment to research, development, and academic excellence.

The Nigerian Air Force achieved a major milestone by appointing Air Vice Marshal OC Ubadike as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

The Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) confirmed the appointment, marking the first for any serving officer.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, announced the historic promotion in a public statement released recently.

Ubadike’s academic achievements and aerospace contributions highlighted

Air Vice Marshal Ubadike holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.

He also earned three additional Master’s degrees and graduated with a First-Class Bachelor’s in Electrical Electronics Engineering from the NDA.

Ubadike played a pivotal role in the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) project, showcasing technical expertise.

The UAV initiative demonstrated the Nigerian Air Force’s growing capabilities and strategic shift toward national technological independence and innovation.

His appointment reinforces the importance of research, development, and academic advancement within Nigeria’s military and security institutions.

NAF reaffirms commitment to R&D and academic excellence

According to Vanguard, the AFIT Governing Council also appointed Air Vice Marshal (retired) Paul Jemitola as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

Jemitola, an accomplished aircraft design expert and former AFIT Commandant, served as lead designer of the NAF UAV project.

He currently acts as Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos, advancing aerospace education locally.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, praised the appointments as a boost for national aerospace capabilities.

He reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to strengthening local expertise through investment in training, education, research, and technology capacity building.