By Our Correspondent
National News – Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has urged fresh graduates of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, to uphold patriotism, discipline and innovation as they begin their professional journeys.
The minister gave the charge on Saturday, March 29, 2026, during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Combined Convocation Ceremony held at the Ibrahim Alfa Auditorium, Air Force Base, Kaduna State.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, Musa addressed about 3,000 graduating students from different academic programmes.
He said the ceremony marked an important transition from academic learning to national service and responsibility.
According to him, the graduates must use their knowledge and skills to strengthen Nigeria’s development and security.
Of the 3,000 graduates, 2,112 completed programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission, while 729 finished courses regulated by the National Board for Technical Education.
Another 159 graduates emerged from the School of Postgraduate Studies, with 305 students graduating with first-class honours.
Musa explained that Nigeria currently faces significant security challenges and rapid technological change, making it crucial for skilled professionals to contribute to national progress.
He stressed that AFIT graduates were leaving the institution not merely as certificate holders but as individuals entrusted with responsibilities that could influence the country’s future.
He noted that citizenship requires integrity, accountability and patriotism, especially when challenges arise.
According to him, these values should guide the graduates as they pursue careers in engineering, computing, aviation technology and other specialised fields.
The Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal A.K. Ademuwagun, also encouraged the graduates to combine skill with opportunity in order to succeed.
He explained that success rarely occurs by chance but through preparation, discipline and the ability to recognise opportunities.
Ademuwagun described the convocation as both the culmination of years of academic effort and the beginning of new responsibilities.
He urged the graduates to continue developing their skills and remain committed to excellence in their chosen fields.
During the ceremony, outstanding students received special recognition for academic excellence.
Oluwole Winner Oluwatimilehi, who earned a 4.99 CGPA in Air Engineering (Aerospace), and Amrah Ahmed Abdulkadir, who recorded a 4.99 CGPA in Computing (Cyber Security), emerged as the overall best graduating students.
