Education
AFIT Convocation Redefines Nigerian Excellence Through The Eyes Of A Student
AFIT Convocation Redefines Nigerian Excellence Through The Eyes Of A Student
AFIT Convocation redefines Nigerian excellence through the eyes of a student – YAHAYA ABUBAKAR
Culled from Student’s Write-Up.
I sat in the Ibrahim Alfa Hall, Kaduna, surrounded by thousands of students, senior military officers, former Chiefs of the Air Staff, respected dignitaries, and leaders whose presence alone spoke to the stature of the moment.
Yet what struck me most during AFIT’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th Combined Convocation was not merely the grandeur of the ceremony, but the quiet realization that I was witnessing proof that excellence in Nigeria is still very much possible.
As a final-year International Relations student, I arrived expecting a formal academic event; I left with a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be shaped by an institution where discipline, innovation, and standards are a way of life. The exceptional performance of the graduating class, marked by a remarkable number of First Class honours, reinforced the reality that AFIT is not merely producing graduates, but building national capacity for the future.
The defining moment came during the convocation lecture delivered by Dr. Bright Echefu, President and Managing Director of EIB Group, whose reflections on the role of public-private partnership in developing Nigeria’s aerospace industry resonated deeply across the hall. However, it was his candid testimony on AFIT graduates already working within his organisation that transformed the atmosphere entirely.
Speaking from direct professional experience rather than ceremonial courtesy, he described AFIT’s crop of graduates as “second to none,” revealing that their outstanding performance had inspired his decision to recruit more graduates and create additional internship opportunities for students. In that instant, the convocation became more than a celebration of academic achievement; it became a market validation of AFIT as a trusted pipeline of world-class talent for Nigeria’s defence, aerospace, technology, and private sectors.
What made that validation even more powerful was the leadership culture behind it. Under the guidance of the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal AK Ademuwagun, AFIT continues to demonstrate that excellence is never accidental, but the product of deliberate standards, accountability, and visionary leadership. This culture is further strengthened by the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained investment in AFIT as a strategic institution for building intellectual, technological, and national capacity.
For many of us still within the walls of the Institute, the convocation offered more than inspiration; it provided a clear glimpse into the future Nigeria can build when serious institutions are empowered to thrive. It reminded us that AFIT graduates leave not only with degrees, but with a name, a standard, and a responsibility to lead wherever duty calls.
As I reflected on the two-day experience, one truth remained with me: AFIT is quietly shaping the generation Nigeria urgently needs. From aerospace innovation and defence manufacturing to diplomacy, management, and emerging technologies, the Institute is proving that this country can produce talent capable of competing anywhere in the world.
Watching industry leaders place real trust, opportunity, and resources in AFIT graduates made the future feel tangible rather than distant.
AFIT Convocation
For me as a student, the convocation was both inspiration and instruction, a vivid story of what becomes possible when discipline meets opportunity.
It reaffirmed that AFIT remains a true citadel of excellence, and that every student who passes through its gates carries the responsibility to make that name count far beyond the ceremony hall.
First Bank Sets To Train 3,700 Students On Financial Literacy
Financial literacy. First Bank of Nigeria PLC has announced a students’ mentorship programme targeting no fewer than 3,700 students on financial literacy and other issues during the Global Money Week (GMW).
Olayinka Ijabiyi, the acting group head, marketing and corporate communications, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Kaduna.
Mr Ijabiyi said the bank will equip thousands of students with financial literacy programmes, empowering them with essential skills for the future.
He said GMW is a campaign to help young people understand money early: how to save, earn, and make smart financial choices with impactful solutions.
He added that the 2026 edition, running from March 16 to May 2 with the theme “Smart Money Talks,” is aimed at encouraging open conversations around money, building confidence, and showcasing how financial decisions affect not just the future but also the environment as well as society.
“Money touches every part of our lives, from the way we save for the future to how we spend today. Our financial choices shape not only our personal wellbeing but also the communities and environment around us.
“That is why teaching young people about money early is so important. It sets them up to make smarter decisions and build resilience for the future. For First Bank, this campaign is part of its annual sustainability and ESG endeavour,” he said.
He added that the bank has always tied financial literacy to its broader pillars of education, health, and welfare, and this year is no different with the celebration of GMW.
“Through its Future First initiative, one of First Bank’s projects will send employees to visit schools across all 36 states and the FCT, teaching students the importance of financial literacy and responsible money habits,” he said.
According to him, the managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), Olusegun Alebiosu, will lead one of the delegations, guiding students through the fundamentals of money management and entrepreneurship.
First Bank
“The plan is to reach 37 schools across six geopolitical zones, impacting at least 3,700 students,” he added.
According to him, the official slogan for the campaign, “Learn, Save, Earn,” captures the heart of the initiative. First Bank uses it to inspire young people to learn how money works, save for their future, and earn to support themselves and their families.
“Smart money isn’t only about budgeting; it’s about building a sustainable future. And with First Bank leading the charge, young Nigerians are learning that every naira saved, earned, or invested can make a difference for themselves, their communities, and the planet,” he said.
Defence Minister Charge AFIT Graduates On Patriotism, Innovation, Nation-building
AFIT graduates. The Honourable Minister of Defence, 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.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard P Pheelangwah, at the Combined Convocation Ceremony held on 28 March 2026, the Minister described the event as a defining milestone, noting that the 3,003 graduates conferred with diplomas, degrees, and certificates bear a heightened responsibility to support national growth and security.
The ceremony was also graced by two former Chiefs of the Air Staff, Air Marshals Sadique Baba Abubakar and Isiaka Oladayo Amao, as well as former Commandants of AFIT, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
General Musa emphasised that the graduates are not merely leaving with academic qualifications but as custodians of national responsibility, equipped with the knowledge and skills to address contemporary challenges.
He stressed that nation-building requires integrity, accountability, and commitment, urging them to apply their expertise in driving innovation and sustainable development. The Minister further highlighted AFIT’s pivotal role as a centre of excellence in technological education, producing highly skilled professionals critical to strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in science, technology, and national security.
AFIT Graduates
In his capacity as Chairman of the AFIT Governing Council, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, formally conferred the awards on the graduates, marking the highlight of the ceremony. The Minister commended the leadership and staff of AFIT for their dedication, while congratulating parents and guardians for their support.
He urged the graduates to uphold the values of discipline, excellence, and service, reminding them that their actions will reflect their alma mater and shape Nigeria’s future.
Technology Should Complement, Not Replace Books In Schools: Remi Tinubu
Technology should complement. She emphasised the importance of physical books in enhancing education standards globally.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, says technological advancement cannot replace physical books in schools across the world. Mrs Tinubu said this during a meeting with the U.S. Special Envoy for Best Future Generations, Charles Harder, on the sidelines of the Fostering the Future Together Global Summit hosted by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump in Washington.
In a statement issued on Friday by her senior special assistant on media, Busola Kukoyi, the first lady emphasised the importance of physical books in enhancing education standards globally.
She stressed the need for children to cultivate reading habits, noting that books help to broaden knowledge without the distractions associated with social media and related digital platforms.
She also reaffirmed that education remained a priority of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“If you want to help people, you must first understand who they really are.
“My husband understands this, just as he did when he was governor of Lagos State. He is working to sanitise the system and lay a formidable foundation that can be built upon.
“Child nutrition will also be on the front burner in a few days through the Office of the First Lady when an aggressive nationwide campaign is launched,” she said.
In his remarks, Mr Harder said the meeting was convened to advance discussions on the needs and welfare of Nigerian children.
Remi Tinubu
He explained that the Best Future Generations initiative, a brainchild of Melania Trump, sought to address issues affecting children globally, including food security, nutrition, health and protection from abuse.
More than 45 first ladies from various countries participated in discussions focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on children and adolescents worldwide.
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