KADUNA (Sundiata Scholar) – The Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), AVM Sani Rabe, has warned the 1,524 matriculating students against using illicit substances, stating that offenders will be expelled.
Speaking during the 8th combined matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session in Kaduna on Saturday, AVM Rabe emphasised the institute’s strict stance on drug abuse.
“We will conduct periodic random testing of students to ensure no involvement in illicit substances. Any student found guilty will be expelled from the institution,” he said.
Rabe noted that AFIT began with 520 pioneer students in the 2018/2019 academic session and has since witnessed huge expansion.
“This year, 1,164 students were admitted for degree programmes out of 3,316 applicants, while 278 students were offered admission for diploma programmes from 773 applicants.
“Additionally, 82 students were admitted through Direct Entry out of 206 applicants.
“We have witnessed a remarkable increase of over 100 per cent in admissions.
“This surge underscores the growing prominence of AFIT and the overwhelming interest from aspiring students, reflecting our ongoing efforts to make AFIT a premier tertiary institution.
“Despite our rigorous admission standards, the surge in applications reaffirms our commitment to academic excellence”.
The commandant urged the students to uphold AFIT’s values of integrity, respect for authority, and strict adherence to the institute’s rules and regulations as outlined in the institute’s handbook.
“The matriculation ceremony symbolises not only the beginning of your academic pursuits but also your commitment to the ideals and principles of AFIT.
“I wish each of you a fulfilling and successful journey here, marked by academic achievements, personal growth, and memorable experiences that will shape your future,” Rabe said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for his leadership and support, which he credited for AFIT’s achievements.
He noted that AFIT continues to play a strategic role in advancing technological development for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation as a whole.
Earlier, the Provost of AFIT, Prof. Auwal Kasim, said the institute, established 40 years ago to support the Nigerian Air Force’s technical and logistical needs, was upgraded to a university in 2017.
“In 2017, we became a ‘Polytechnic University’, the first of its kind in Nigeria, offering both diploma and degree programmes as well as postgraduate studies,” Kasim said.
He encouraged students to embrace the institute’s rigorous academic and disciplinary standards.
“AFIT operates a zero-tolerance policy on violence, indiscipline, cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, and improper dressing, discipline and conduct will be strictly monitored throughout your stay,” he warned.
Kasim congratulated the matriculating students, wishing them success in their academic pursuits and future endeavours.
“You are now worthy ambassadors of this great institution, and I hope you will uphold our quest for excellence,” he said. (NAN)
