Air Force Institute Gets New Commandant As AVM Ademuwagun Takes Over From Rabe

The Nigerian Air Force has appointed Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Kolade Ademuwagun as the 14th Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, following the retirement of Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe.

Ademuwagun, who until his appointment was the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Lagos, formally assumed office at a brief ceremony at the Institute’s headquarters in Kaduna.

The new Commandant takes over the leadership of AFIT at a time the institution is positioning itself for greater academic and research relevance within Nigeria’s defence and technology ecosystem.

The new Commandant is not a stranger to AFIT, having previously served as the Institute’s Deputy Commandant. During his earlier tenure, he was instrumental in advancing the digital and research infrastructure of the school, particularly in areas of information and communications technology.

According to the Director of Public Relations, Wing Commander Bassey Okon, in a statement on Tuesday, Ademuwagun’s appointment is expected to further enhance AFIT’s visibility and global competitiveness.

“Before his latest posting, Ademuwagun held several instructional, staff and command appointments, including Assistant Director, Information Communications Technology at NAF Headquarters; Dean, Faculty of Ground and Communications Engineering, AFIT; and Director, Information Communications Technology, AFIT.

“He also served as Commander, 651 Base Services Group, Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja; Director of Communications Engineering at NAF Headquarters, Abuja; and Director of Defence Space Utilisation at Defence Headquarters.

“A highly accomplished officer, Ademuwagun holds multiple academic and professional qualifications.

“He obtained a Master’s degree in Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master’s in Engineering (Project Management) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, and a Master of Philosophy in Security and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He also earned a PhD in Wireless Communications Engineering from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

“He is one of the few Nigerians certified as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and holds additional professional credentials including Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and membership of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

“His military honours include the General Service Star (GSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Pass Staff College (psc), and Fellow of the National Defence College (fwc),” the statement read.

In a related development, the Air Force also announced the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike as the new Deputy Commandant of AFIT.

Ubadike, who succeeded AVM Albert Bot — now posted to the Defence Research and Development Bureau as Deputy Director-General — brings extensive academic and technical experience to the position.

A Professor of Aerospace Engineering since July 2023, Ubadike has been involved in numerous research and development initiatives within AFIT.

He previously served as Engineering Control Officer and Commanding Officer at the 431 Engineering Group before joining AFIT as an instructor and administrative officer.

He was also the pioneer Secretary of the School of Postgraduate Studies at AFIT, Director of General Research, and later Director of Aerospace Research at the Air Force Research and Development Centre, Kaduna.

“Ubadike also made history as the pioneer Commander of the Nigerian Air Force Avionics Overhaul and Calibration Centre. Before his current appointment, he served as Dean, Faculty of Air Engineering, and later as Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies at AFIT.

“His academic credentials include a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (First Class) from the Nigerian Defence Academy; Master’s degrees in International Affairs and Diplomacy and Electrical Engineering (Electronics and Control) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; as well as MSc and PhD degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University, United Kingdom. He also holds an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies and is currently rounding off a PhD in Artificial Intelligence,” the statement added. ENDS.