The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has celebrated a significant professional and academic milestone after one of its senior officers secured two prestigious awards at a major regional medical conference, highlighting the Service’s growing influence in specialised healthcare.
The announcement, made through the Force’s official communication channels on Monday, described the achievement as a testament to NAF’s commitment to human capital development and professional excellence beyond traditional military roles.
At the centre of the recognition is Group Captain A.O. Akinuli, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialist, whose outstanding performance at the 2025 Fellowship Examinations earned him regional acclaim. The awards were presented during the Scientific Conference of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), held in Accra, Ghana, from February 8–12, 2026, under the Faculty of Dental Surgery.
In a statement titled “NAF officer wins double honours at WACS conference, showcasing NAF professional excellence,” the Air Force noted:
"Group Captain Akinuli recorded an outstanding achievement at the West African College of Surgeons Scientific Conference, reflecting the Service’s deliberate investment in excellence and advanced professional training."
Group Captain Akinuli, trained under NAF sponsorship, was distinguished for exceptional academic depth and originality in research during the 2025 Fellowship Examinations. His double recognition included the Prof. Olayinka Otuyemi Prize for Best Dissertation Candidate and the Prof. Emmanuel Oladapo-Adekeye Prize for Best Dissertation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, both coveted honours within the Faculty of Dental Surgery.
The Air Force linked the achievement to the command philosophy of Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, emphasizing continuous learning, competence, and mission-focused professionalism. The Service described the accomplishment as a reflection of its institutional strategy to nurture innovation, scholarship, and professional distinction, positioning NAF personnel to meet global standards in highly specialised fields.
Beyond personal triumph, the awards reinforce NAF’s expanding role within the medical and academic communities of West Africa. By supporting officers to attain top-tier qualifications and excel at respected professional platforms, the Force is strengthening interdisciplinary capacity that benefits both military and civilian populations.
The achievement in Accra demonstrates how strategic investment in education within security institutions can elevate healthcare standards and enhance Nigeria’s presence in regional professional circles.
follow us on whatsapp
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAOIUe9mrGeBhrju12b
Download our Mobile App for easy access
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Mobile App Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvng.lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Follow us on Youtube
https://youtube.com/@edutvnigeria
Follow us on LinkedIn -
https://ng.linkedin.com/company/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Instagram
https://instagram.com/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/edutvnigeria/
