The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has urged graduating students of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, to uphold patriotism, innovation, and excellence as they contribute to Nigeria’s growth and security.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard P. Pheelangwah, at the Combined Convocation Ceremony held on March 28, 2026, the Minister described the occasion as a significant milestone. He noted that the 3,003 graduates awarded diplomas, degrees, and certificates now carry a greater responsibility to support national development.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including former Chiefs of the Air Staff, Sadique Baba Abubakar and Isiaka Oladayo Amao, alongside past Commandants of AFIT, highlighting the importance of the ceremony.
General Musa stressed that the graduates are leaving not just with academic qualifications but as custodians of national responsibility, equipped with the skills to tackle modern challenges. He emphasised that nation-building demands integrity, accountability, and dedication, urging them to deploy their knowledge toward innovation and sustainable development.
He further underscored AFIT’s critical role as a centre of excellence in technological education, producing highly skilled professionals essential for advancing Nigeria’s capabilities in science, technology, and national security.
In his role as Chairman of the AFIT Governing Council, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, formally conferred awards on the graduates, marking the highlight of the ceremony.
The Minister commended AFIT’s leadership and staff for their commitment, while also congratulating parents and guardians for their unwavering support. He charged the graduates to uphold discipline, excellence, and service, reminding them that their conduct will reflect their alma mater and help shape the nation’s future.
The Minister also encouraged the graduates to embrace research, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement as key drivers of national progress, particularly in the defence and aerospace sectors. He noted that Nigeria’s evolving security landscape requires innovative solutions and self-reliance, urging them to contribute to indigenous capacity development and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.