305 KADUNA AIR FORCE INSTITUTE GRADUATES EARN FIRST-CLASS HONOURS

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, Air Vice Marshal A.K. Ademuwagun, has announced that nearly 3,000 students are set to graduate during the institute’s 2nd, 3rd, and 4th combined convocation ceremonies, with 305 achieving first-class honours.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the Air Force Base in Kaduna ahead of the events, Ademuwagun said the accomplishment underscores the institute’s growing status as a hub for advanced technological education and a centre of excellence in Nigeria.

“This milestone reflects our growing reputation as a hub for advanced technological education and a centre of excellence in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the convocation, scheduled for March 26–28, 2026, will include a range of activities such as induction ceremonies, exhibitions, project commissioning, and a convocation lecture.

“The ceremonies will highlight not only academic excellence but also our dedication to innovation, research, and practical solutions to national challenges,” Ademuwagun said.

Providing a breakdown of the graduates, he noted that 513 students completed programmes in Aerospace Engineering and Aircraft Engineering Technology, which he described as vital to the Nigerian Air Force and the broader aviation sector.

“This is pivotal given the significance of these fields to the Nigerian Air Force and the nation’s aviation industry as a whole,” he added.

He highlighted that the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna remains the country’s only tripartite institution, combining military training with polytechnic and university education.

“AFIT is uniquely positioned as a tripartite institution, integrating military, polytechnic, and university education under one roof,” he said.

Ademuwagun explained that of the 3,000 graduates, 2,112 completed programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission, 729 finished courses overseen by the National Board for Technical Education, and 159 graduated from the School of Postgraduate Studies.

“This demonstrates our broad academic structure and the depth of training we provide across multiple levels,” he added.

Regarding academic achievements, he noted that 305 students earned first-class honours across various disciplines, while 146 students achieved distinctions in NBTE programmes.

“Our focus on excellence is reflected in these remarkable results, highlighting the quality of both our students and faculty,” he said.

He added that 51 postgraduate students achieved distinctions, showcasing the strength of the institute’s postgraduate training and research programmes.

Highlighting outstanding achievements, Ademuwagun named Oluwole Winner Oluwatimilehin of Aerospace Engineering, Ahmed Amrah Abdulkadir of Cyber Security, and Babalola-Jacobs David Oluwasegun of Physics as the top overall graduates.

“They each graduated with near-perfect CGPAs of 4.99, a remarkable academic accomplishment and a testament to their dedication and hard work,” he said.

Ademuwagun also announced a major expansion of the institute’s postgraduate programmes, with master’s degree offerings increasing from two to 12 in the next academic session, and postgraduate diploma programmes growing from four to 12.

“In line with our vision, we are expanding our master’s programmes from two to 12, and our postgraduate diplomas from four to 12,” he stated.

He explained that the expansion supports AFIT’s goal of becoming a leading centre for advanced technological education and research, equipping the Nigerian Air Force with a highly skilled workforce for operational and strategic needs.

In a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency, Ademuwagun revealed that all graduating students would receive their original certificates immediately following the convocation ceremony.

“This is a practice rarely observed in many public universities in Nigeria, and we are proud to maintain it as part of our commitment to administrative efficiency,” he added.

He reaffirmed AFIT’s dedication to developing highly skilled personnel for both military and civilian sectors through continuous investment in research, innovation, and human capital development.

As a key highlight of the convocation, engineering graduates of AFIT’s Class of 2025 were officially inducted by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.

“The COREN induction is a pivotal milestone that formally welcomes our engineering graduates into the professional community,” Ademuwagun said.