Nigerian Air Force Appoints Ubadike Professor

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a significant step forward in its pursuit of academic excellence and research with the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike as its first-ever serving Professor.

This achievement was announced by the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) on Sunday, April 27, and marks a major boost to the Force’s research and development endeavors.

According to a statement released by the NAF on its social media handle, Air Vice Marshal Ubadike, a distinguished academic and military officer, has been conferred the rank of Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

This prestigious appointment is a testament to his outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the field of aerospace engineering. Ubadike holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University, UK, in addition to three other Master’s degrees and a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

The newly appointed Professor has played a pivotal role in several key projects within the NAF, including the development of the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

This project has not only enhanced the Force’s technical capabilities but also demonstrated its strategic independence. Ubadike’s expertise and leadership have been instrumental in driving innovation and advancement in the NAF, and his appointment as Professor is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions.

In a related development, the Governing Council also announced the appointment of retired Air Vice Marshal Paul Jemitola as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Jemitola, a former Commandant of AFIT, is a renowned expert in multidisciplinary and multi-objective aircraft design optimization. He holds a Master’s degree and PhD from Cranfield University and was the lead designer of the NAF UAV project. Jemitola is currently serving as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos.

The appointments of Ubadike and Jemitola are in line with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who has emphasized the importance of fostering local expertise through education, research, and capacity-building. The NAF is committed to reducing its reliance on foreign technical support and is actively promoting the development of indigenous technologies and expertise.

The appointment of Air Vice Marshal Ubadike as the first serving Professor in the NAF is a significant milestone in the Force’s history and marks a major step forward in its pursuit of academic excellence and research. This achievement is expected to have a positive impact on the NAF’s operational capabilities and will contribute to the advancement of the nation’s defense and security.

The NAF’s focus on research and innovation is expected to have far-reaching implications for the nation’s defense and security. With the appointment of its first serving Professor, the Force is poised to make significant strides in the development of indigenous technologies and expertise, reducing its reliance on foreign technical support and enhancing its operational capabilities.

As the NAF continues to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence, the nation can expect to see significant advancements in the field of aerospace engineering and research. The appointment of Air Vice Marshal Ubadike as Professor is a shining example of the NAF’s commitment to academic excellence and research, and it is expected to inspire a new generation of scholars and researchers in the field.