Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike has been appointed as the first-ever serving officer to hold the rank of Professor in Aerospace Engineering in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The achievement was confirmed by the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
Air Vice Marshal Ubadike, a distinguished scholar and military professional, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.
He also holds three other Master’s degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), along with a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Electronics Engineering from NDA.
His groundbreaking work includes leading the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), marking a milestone in the Air Force’s technological independence.
The appointment of Ubadike is part of the NAF’s ongoing commitment to advancing research and development (R&D), building local expertise, and reducing reliance on foreign technical support.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has prioritized education and capacity building as key components of the NAF’s strategy to meet evolving national security and aerospace needs.
In a related development, the Governing Council also appointed Air Vice Marshal (retired) Paul Jemitola as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering.
Professor Jemitola, a former Commandant of AFIT, is renowned for his expertise in aircraft design and optimization, as well as his leadership in the UAV project.