Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), says plans to merge the Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), also in Kaduna, would be retrogressive and counter productive to the nation’s earopspace industry.
In a statement on Tuesday by Edward Gabkwet, spokesperson of the Nigerian Abubakar said AFIT has made tangible achievements in specialised areas like aerospace engineering and other related fields, urging that it should not be subsumed under the NDA.
The statement said, “AFIT’s recent achievements are no doubt tangible reasons why it should not be subsumed under the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). “Considering its unique strengths and specialized focus on aerospace engineering and other related fields, such merger would surely be retrogressive and counterproductive to the growth of the Nigerian Aerospace industry”. Besides, the statement maintained that, among several other plausible arguments, the merger, would also undermine the institute’s capacity to provide the needed technical and specialised skills required to continually sustain NAF’s counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts.
“There is thus a consensus that AFIT’s distinct roles and significant contributions to Nigeria’s aerospace landscape and technological advancement warrants its continued independence”, the statement added.
The CAS noted the rapid growth and accomplishments by AFIT, stressing that it is a reflection of its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and national development.
The statement said the institution has continues to soar to new heights, adding that it is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The CAS said the recent rating of AFIT as the number one institution among 74 universities with the highest spread across the country by the Joint Admision and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was heart warming.
“This feat underscores AFIT’s growing credibility, reputation and popularity as Nigeria’s premier aerospace institution for higher learning, attracting students from various parts of the country”, the statement said.
JAMB, in the July 2024 edition of its weekly publication – “JAMBulletin”, had rated AFIT as the leading tertiary institution with the highest spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The examination body also rated the institution second for adherence to its admission guidelines and commended it for its dedication to excellence, transparency and giving all Nigerians equal and unbiased opportunity.
The statement noted that the increasing demand for admission into AFIT may be closely linked to the availability of technical teaching staff and aids, well-equipped laboratories, zero-tolerance policy for strikes, affordable tuition and well-motivated academic and non-academic staff.
It said the institute has also aligned its academic calendar from January to September in line with global standards.
The statement urged the management and staff of the AFIT to build on its accomplishments and strive towards becoming a world-class institution renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and research.
