The Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, on Saturday, matriculated 1,164 students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Sani Rabe, while addressing the students, warned them against drug abuse and violence in the institute.
He stated that the school would conduct random drug tests on students at intervals without notice, warning that any student who tested positive for any drug risks expulsion from the school.
Rabe stressed the importance of adhering to the school’s rules and regulations and urged the students against flouting them throughout their stay.
He said, “Let me sound a note of warning to you all. At intervals, without notice, we will randomly pick students for drug tests and once you test positive for any drug, you are on your way out of the school.”
The commandant noted that the institute had witnessed significant growth since its inception, adding that though it started with 520 pioneer students in the 2018/2019 academic session, the institute was matriculating 1,164 new students.
He attributed the growth to the commitment to academic excellence and its efforts to become a premier tertiary institution.
He also encouraged the new students to seize every opportunity for growth, challenge themselves to excel, and uphold the values of integrity, diligence, and respect for knowledge.
“AFIT is committed to providing its students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
“We have a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members passionate about teaching and research.
“Our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment provide our students with the best possible learning environment.
“As you begin your academic journey at AFIT, I urge you to be focused, determined, and committed to your studies.
“You are part of a community that values excellence, innovation, and collaboration. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities available to you, to explore your passions, and to develop your skills and talents,” the commandant added.
He noted that the 8th combined matriculation ceremony, held at the institute’s Ibrahim Alfa Auditorium, Air Force Base in Kaduna, marked the conclusion of the admission process for the new academic session.
Earlier, the Provost of AFIT, Prof Auwal Kashim, congratulated the new students on their successful admission into the institute.
He noted that the admission exercise for the 2024/2025 academic session was intense and competitive, with only 27 per cent of the 4,603 applicants successfully admitted.
Kasim stressed the importance of discipline and hard work, warning the students against indiscipline and drug abuse.
“AFIT operates a very rigid regulation concerning students’ discipline and conduct throughout their stay.
“We have zero tolerance to any form of violence, indiscipline, cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, and improper dressing,” he said.
