Defence Minister Charges AFIT Graduates On Patriotism, Innovation And Nation- Building
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has charged graduating students of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, to embrace patriotism, innovation, and excellence as they contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. The Minister, who was represented at the Combined Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday, 28 March 2026 by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard P Pheelangwah, delivered the charge while addressing the graduating students, faculty, and distinguished guests at the event.
Describing the occasion as a defining milestone, the Minister noted that the academic achievements of the graduates also come with a responsibility to contribute to national growth and security. Highlighting the scale of the ceremony, he disclosed that a total of 3,003 students were conferred with diplomas, degrees, and certificates, describing it as a remarkable achievement, particularly as AFIT only became a degree-awarding institution in the 2018/2019 academic session.
General Musa emphasised that the graduates were not merely leaving the institution with academic qualifications but as custodians of national responsibility equipped with the knowledge and skills required to address Nigeria’s contemporary challenges. He stressed that nation-building requires integrity, accountability, and commitment from all citizens, adding that Nigeria’s progress depends on individuals willing to apply their expertise with strong moral values.
The Minister also underscored the critical role of AFIT in national development, describing the institution as a centre of excellence in technological education and professional training. According to him, the Institute continues to produce highly skilled professionals whose expertise remains vital to strengthening national capacity in science, technology, and innovation. He urged the graduates to translate their academic knowledge into practical solutions that would drive national development, noting that true patriotism is best demonstrated through discipline, excellence, and selfless service.
In his role as the Chairman of the AFIT Governing Council, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, formally conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates on the 3,003 graduating students, marking the highlight of the ceremony. Earlier, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal AK Ademuwagun, delivered the welcome address, in which he appreciated the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force and other stakeholders while reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to producing highly skilled and disciplined manpower for national development.
Gen. Musa further encouraged the graduates to uphold the values of their alma mater, reminding them that wherever they find themselves, they would be seen as ambassadors of AFIT’s reputation for discipline, innovation, and excellence. The Defence Minister also commended the leadership, management, and staff of the Institute for their commitment to training competent professionals, describing their efforts as essential to Nigeria’s technological advancement and security development. He equally congratulated parents and guardians for their sacrifices and unwavering support.
He also challenged the graduates to remain focused, uphold the values that shaped their journey, and dedicate themselves to national service. “Let your lives reflect discipline, your work reflect excellence, and your choices reflect patriotism,” he stated, urging them to become a generation that Nigeria would remember with pride.
