AFIT GRADUATES FIRST SET OF NIGERIAN ARMY PERSONNEL FROM AVIATION FUEL HANDLING AND MANAGEMENT COURSE

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has graduated 5 officers and 20 soldiers of the Nigerian Army from its Aviation Fuel Handling and Management Course today, Wednesday 25 June 2025. The course, which was conducted under the Logistics Management Department,was structured to train participants in real time engagement in aviation fuel supply, bowsermanagement, fuel dispensing and calibration among others. It would be recalled that the Nigerian Army recently activated its Air Wing thereby necessitating the training of Nigerian Army aviation personnel on critical aspects of the aviation field including pre-flight operations. 

According to the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST), Major General AA Adeyinka, who was represented by the Commander 71 Supply and Transport Brigade, Brigadier General PAJ Ebuk, the task of handling bulk fuel supplies falls under the purview of the NACST. Accordingly, the first set of Nigerian Army personnel from NCST were sent to AFIT for functional training. He recalled that when plans for the course commenced and preparations were made for the participants to assemble on  7 April 2025, the course appeared as an impossibility. He therefore congratulated the graduating students for making what seemed impossible a reality with their graduation after 12 weeks of intensive theoretical and practical training.

According to Brigadier General Ebuk, poor handling of aviation fuel could be catastrophic. He also seized the opportunity to appreciate the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal HB Abubakar, for giving the waiver that made the students to train in AFIT at no cost. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the course and facilitating its actualization. Additionally, he commended the AFIT Commandant, Air Vice Marshal SL Rabe, for his hospitality and for making the environment conducive for learning. Similarly, he appreciated instructors who took out time to impact knowledge on the participants. 

The Guest of Honour, AFIT Commandant, Air Vice Sani Labaran Rabe, who was represented by the Commander, 431 Engineering Group, Air Commodore AT Mohammed, stated that the successful completion of the course within the stipulated timeline demonstratedthe CAS’ commitment to fostercollaboration, cooperation and synergy that would support the effective operations of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing. He added that AFIT remains the only tripartite institution of higher learning in Nigeria dedicated to the training of both civilian and military personnel in different aspects of the aviation industry.   

Air Cdre Mohammed congratulated the successful students and urged them to employ the same spirit of resilience, commitment and quest for excellence in the field as they go back to their various places of deployment by the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing. He expressedappreciation to the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command and Commanders of other co-located units within the Base for providing unwavering support towards the success of thecourse.

Earlier, the Director, Center for Technical and Vocational Training (DCTVT), Group Captain OG Alabi, acknowledged the tirelesscommitment of the students to acquire skills and knowledge necessary to handle and manage aviation fuel safely and efficiently. According to him, fuel contamination, incorrect handling, and safety lapses in aviation could have devastating consequences. He further stated that, the course was not merely academic, but it also tested the participants’ discipline, attention to detail and ability to function under pressure. 

Group Captain Alabi added that the participantsdemonstrated competence, resilience and professionalism worthy of the prestigious badgethat has just been given to them. Lieutenant OE Bekwele won the Commandant’s Award as the best graduating officer while Corporal Iyamah C won the Award for the best graduating soldier. 

Bassey Ibiang Okon PhD

Wing Commander

Director of Public Relations

Air Force Institute of Technology