The Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike as Professor of Aerospace Engineering.
According to a statement made available to Defence Correspondents on Sunday by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the appointment makes him the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor.
The statement explained that the conferment of the professorship is a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who has prioritized technological advancement through education, capacity-building, and R&D.
It further noted that 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 Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.
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“He also holds three other Master’s degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), along with a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the 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 statement further added that 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 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.
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