The Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology, AFIT, has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal OC Ubadike as Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force in a statement said the appointment made him the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor.

It said 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 the esteemed Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.

He also possesses 3 other Masters degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), with a First-Class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics Engineering degree from 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.

In a related announcement, the Governing Council also confirmed the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Paul Jemitola, rtd, 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.