Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that one of its senior officers has received dual accolades at a prominent regional medical conference, underscoring the Service’s commitment to professional excellence.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, the Air Force declared in a statement titled, “NAF officer wins double honours at WACS conference, showcasing NAF professional excellence.”
According to the statement, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has once again demonstrated the strength of its human capacity development drive as Group Captain AO Akinuli recorded an outstanding achievement at the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) Scientific Conference.”
The conference was organised by the West African College of Surgeons and held in Accra, Ghana, from February 8 to 12, 2026, under the Faculty of Dental Surgery.
Group Captain A.O. Akinuli, a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, garnered the distinction following his outstanding performance in the 2025 Fellowship Examinations.
The NAF noted that he is “a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery trained with NAF support,” adding that “Gp Capt Akinuli distinguished himself in the 2025 Fellowship Examinations, reflecting the Service’s deliberate investment in excellence and advanced professional training.”
Linking the achievement to its leadership vision, the Air Force stated that, “His accomplishment aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which prioritizes continuous learning, competence and mission-focused professionalism.”
At the conference, Akinuli secured two prestigious prizes.
The statement disclosed that, “Gp Capt Akinuli earned two prestigious recognitions: the Prof Olayinka Otuyemi Prize for Best Dissertation Candidate in the 2025 Fellowship Examinations at first attempt, and the Prof Emmanuel Oladapo-Adekeye Prize for the Best Dissertation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.”
The Air Force emphasised that the achievement goes beyond personal success, stressing that, “These double honours project the Nigerian Air Force as an institution that nurtures innovation, scholarship and professional distinction, reinforcing its reputation for producing world-class personnel committed to service and national development.”
The release noted that the development highlighted NAF’s continued investment in advanced training and specialised education, positioning the Service not only as a key player in national security but also as a contributor to medical excellence within the West African sub-region.
