The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Saturday urged graduating students of the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, to uphold patriotism, discipline, and innovation as essential tools for advancing Nigeria’s development.
He reminded the class of 2026 that “nations do not rise by chance—they rise by choice.”
Musa delivered the message at the combined 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Convocation Ceremony of AFIT held at the Ibrahim Alfa Auditorium, Air Force Base, Kaduna, where 3,000 graduates received degrees and diplomas in various fields.
Of the total, 2,112 completed programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission, 729 completed courses regulated by the National Board for Technical Education, and 159 graduated from the School of Postgraduate Studies, including 305 first-class honorees.
Represented by the Permanent Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Musa described the occasion as a defining moment, marking the transition from academic learning to national responsibility.
“Today is not just a celebration of what you have achieved; it is a declaration of what is now expected of you,” he said, stressing that graduates were leaving not merely as degree holders but as custodians of Nigeria’s future.
He emphasised that citizenship requires integrity, accountability, and patriotism, especially during challenging times, noting that Nigeria faces critical security and technological challenges demanding collective effort.
“AFIT does not just award certificates—it builds competence. What you carry today is more than a qualification; it is a national asset,” Musa said, urging graduates to transform knowledge into practical solutions that benefit society.
On patriotism, he added, “True patriotism is not loud—it is lived through excellence, discipline and sacrifice,” and encouraged graduates to maintain high standards wherever they serve.
The Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal A.K. Ademuwagun, reminded graduates that success stems from skill and opportunity, advising them to position themselves deliberately. He noted that degrees alone do not guarantee relevance; continuous skill refinement and ethical leadership are essential.
He encouraged graduates to embrace innovation, adaptability, and lifelong learning, and to uphold the AFIT brand by setting exemplary standards.
Outstanding graduates, including Oluwole Winner Oluwatimilehi and Amrah Ahmed Abdulkadir, who both scored 4.99 CGPA, were recognised for academic excellence.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman of the AFIT Governing Council, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, former Chiefs of the Air Staff, past AFIT Commandants, senior military officers, and representatives from security and academic institutions.
