By Damilola Adeleke

In a historic move, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has appointed Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Osichinaka Ubadike as its first serving professor of Aerospace Engineering, marking a major milestone in the institution’s academic and technological development.

The announcement was made in a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, on Sunday, April 28, 2025.

AVM Ubadike, a distinguished military officer and scholar, holds a PhD and Master’s in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University, UK. He also possesses three additional Master’s degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he graduated with a First-Class degree in Electrical Electronics Engineering.

His contributions include leading research efforts in the development of the NAF’s indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)—a significant leap toward Nigeria’s defence self-reliance and aerospace innovation.

Also appointed as a professor was retired AVM Paul Jemitola, the former Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), recognized for his expertise in multi-objective aircraft design optimization. He currently serves as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, described these appointments as a reflection of NAF’s commitment to research, development, and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.