The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has charged graduates of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, to embrace patriotism, innovation and national service as they step into the next phase of their lives.
Speaking at the combined convocation ceremony of the institute, the minister described the graduates as “custodians of responsibility and stewards of Nigeria’s future,” stressing that citizenship demands integrity, accountability and sacrifice.
Represented by Mr Richard Pheelangwa, the minister said “Today is not just a celebration of what you have achieved; it is a declaration of what is now expected of you,” he said. “Your personal success means little if your nation does not succeed with you.”
He noted that Nigeria is at a critical stage, facing security and technological challenges, but expressed confidence that committed citizens can drive national progress.
“A nation is not built only in government offices—it is built in workshops, laboratories, classrooms and boardrooms,” he said, urging the graduates to apply their knowledge in solving real-life problems.
The minister further emphasized that true patriotism is reflected in actions, not words.
“It is not what we say—it is what we consistently do. Choose what is right over what is easy and what serves the nation over what serves self,” he added.
In his address, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Adediran Ademuwagun, described the convocation as a turning point for the graduates, marking the end of academic training and the beginning of professional responsibility.
“Success is not accidental. It is the outcome of preparation meeting opportunity,” he said, urging the graduates to continuously develop their skills and remain relevant in a competitive world.
He noted that AFIT has equipped the graduates with both knowledge and character, stressing that the institution’s certificate represents discipline, resilience and excellence.
“The degrees you receive today attest not only to learning but to character. You are ambassadors of this institution—protect its values and uphold its standards,” Ademuwagun said.
He advised the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, align their skills with national needs, and apply their knowledge with integrity and discipline.
The event was attended by top military officials, members of the governing council, parents and other dignitaries, marking another milestone in AFIT’s contribution to national development.