My Nigerian Air Force Journey: Rising, Falling and Rising Again — Part Two

Between 2003 and 2005, I served as Deputy Head of the Printing Workshop at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, NAFRC, Oshodi. I contributed to the workshop’s development by proposing the replacement of its ageing letterpress equipment with modern lithographic offset printing technology. The proposal was accepted, and the workshop was upgraded.

However, in 2004, the workshop was accused of printing money. Although the allegation was unfounded, a rushed disciplinary process followed. I was demoted from Sergeant to Corporal and detained for two weeks, while Corporal Nwosu was demoted to Lance Corporal. The experience affected me emotionally, mentally and psychologically because it felt as though years of hard work, education and loyal service had been disregarded. The HOD, MWO Adekunle, was detained in the Guardroom, awaiting court-martial.

After my release, I appealed the decision. The case was reviewed, our ranks were restored, and I was later promoted to Flight Sergeant.

In 2005, I was involved in a serious accident along Airport Road while travelling from the Nigerian Air Force Base, Ikeja, to NAFRC, Oshodi. My car was written off, and I was hospitalised for two days. Instead of receiving the support I expected, the matter developed into a conflict with several senior officers. I was locked up, and while I was in the Guardroom, I reached out to very senior officers. Then an order came from above that I should be released from the Guardroom immediately. I sought legal assistance from civilian lawyers, who wrote a petition to the Chief of Air Staff, AOC Logistics Command, and the Lagos Police Command, to mention a few. Still, the intervention of senior officers, including the then Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, eventually helped me obtain justice.

These experiences strongly influenced my decision to leave the Nigerian Air Force around 2005–2006. I had completed my house, gained professional qualifications and developed the confidence to build my printing business. Leaving the Air Force was not a sign of defeat. I decided to protect my dignity, rebuild my life and pursue a better future.

Continuing My Academic Journey Abroad

Relocating abroad did not bring my educational journey to an end. Instead, it opened another chapter of learning, professional development and international exposure.

After leaving Nigeria, I remained committed to building upon the printing qualifications and practical experience I had acquired at Kaduna Polytechnic and during my service in the Nigerian Air Force. I understood that the printing and media industries were changing rapidly as traditional production methods increasingly merged with digital technology, multimedia communication and strategic content development.

I therefore continued my academic career at the Dublin Institute of Technology in Ireland, now known as Technological University Dublin. There, I studied Print and Digital Media Technology and graduated with a Second-Class Honours, Upper Division—2:1 BA (Hons) degree.

This programme broadened my understanding of the modern media industry. It allowed me to move beyond traditional printing and develop knowledge in areas such as digital media production, print management, emerging communication technologies, workflow development and the relationship between printed and digital content.

Studying in Ireland also exposed me to a different educational environment. I interacted with people from diverse professional, cultural and academic backgrounds. Returning to higher education abroad required determination, adaptability and confidence, but the discipline I had developed through military service helped me remain focused.

Graduating with a 2:1 honours degree was another important achievement in my life. It demonstrated that my educational journey, which had started with a Certificate in Printing at Kaduna Polytechnic, could continue successfully at an international university.

Advancing to Master’s Level in Sweden

My desire to understand the wider media and communication environment later took me to Malmö University in Sweden, where I completed an MSc in Strategic Media Development.

The master’s programme expanded my knowledge beyond the technical production of printed and digital materials. It helped me understand how media organisations, institutions, businesses and communities can use communication strategically to achieve their objectives, manage change, reach audiences and respond to technological development.

Through the programme, I developed greater knowledge of media strategy, communication planning, organisational development, audience engagement, digital transformation and the role of media within society.

Moving from professional printing to strategic media development represented an important evolution in my career. I was no longer concerned only with how information was physically produced. I also became interested in why information was created, how it was communicated, who it was intended to reach and what impact it could have.

My education in Ireland and Sweden helped transform me from a traditional printing professional into a multidisciplinary print, digital media and strategic communication specialist.

Professional Certifications and Lifelong Learning

In addition to my formal academic qualifications, I continued to pursue professional certifications and specialist training.

I earned certifications through PrintPromotion in Germany, where I developed further knowledge of printing technology, production processes and developments within the international printing industry.

I also completed professional certifications offered by Google, strengthening my understanding of digital tools, online marketing, data, advertising and the growing importance of technology in modern business communication.

Over the years, I have earned many other certificates across printing, Printing media, communication, marketing, and professional development.

For me, education has never been limited to obtaining a degree. It is a lifelong responsibility. Technology continues to change, industries continue to evolve, and professionals must continue learning to remain relevant.

The progression of my education reflects that belief:

Certificate in Printing Printingal Diploma → Higher National Diploma → BA (Hons) in Print and Digital Media Technology → MSc in Strategic Media Development → International professional certifications.

Each qualification represented a new stage of development. Each one built upon the knowledge and experience that came before it.

From Military Printer to International Media Professional

When I joined the Nigerian Air Force in 1991 as a professional printer, I could not have predicted how far that profession would eventually take me.

Printing took me into military service. It encouraged me to study at Kaduna Polytechnic. It gave me the knowledge to propose the modernisation of the printing workshop at NAFRC. It helped me establish a successful business after leaving the Air Force.

The same professional foundation later took me from Nigeria to Ireland, Sweden and other international learning environments.

My career gradually developed from operating printing machines to managing production, developing institutional proposals, studying digital media, understanding communication strategy and acquiring internationally recognised professional certifications.

This journey has taught me that a person’s first profession can become the foundation for many future opportunities when it is supported by education, discipline and continuous development.

In conclusion, my years in the Nigerian Air Force were demanding, rewarding and life-changing.

I joined the service in June 1991 as a professional printer and began my formal military training on 20 January 1992. After completing the training, I was posted to the Command and Staff College, now the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, where I worked at the Work Production Centre as a machine printing operator.

While carrying out my military responsibilities, I furthered my education at Kaduna Polytechnic. I progressed from a Certificate in Printing to a National Diploma and finally a Higher National Diploma. During this period, I received three Best Student certificates in recognition of my academic performance.

I also progressed through the military ranks, from Aircraftman to Lance Corporal, Corporal,Sergeant, and Flight Sergeant before I retired in 2005.

Azeez Majekodunmi HND BA(Hons) MSc FSS

azeez@azmajek.com