Former students of Isa Muyiwa Adeshina have paid tribute to the Nigerian Air Force officer who was among 25 personnel killed when a NAF aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

Adeshina, whose official military designation was Flying Officer IM Adeshina, was remembered by former students and colleagues for his intelligence, diligence and the impact he made during his years as a teacher.

Before joining the Nigerian Air Force, Adeshina worked at As-Siraat Comprehensive College in the Amukoko area of Lagos State, where he taught Physics and Mathematics between 2004 and 2010. He later became the school’s vice principal.

The proprietor of the school, Ustadh Ahmad, described Adeshina as an intelligent and diligent teacher who was highly regarded by students and their parents.

He said many parents pleaded with the school to retain Adeshina when he decided to pursue a career in the Air Force, describing him as a dedicated and brilliant member of the school community.

Former students also took to social media to remember the lessons they learnt from Adeshina.

One of them, Ibrahim Damilola, recalled how Adeshina shared personal experiences with his students and inspired them through his teachings. Another former student, Lawal Kaothar, described him as one of the foundations that helped build students at the school.

Adeshina’s death came only nine days after he was commissioned as a flying officer. He had emerged as the best graduating cadet of Branch Commission Course 3 at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna and was commissioned into the Air Force on September 26, 2026.

The NAF aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. All 25 people on board were reported killed.

Adeshina had joined the Air Force in 2010 and served as an air intelligence operator before being selected for the branch commissioning programme. His performance during the programme earned him recognition as the best graduating cadet.

For his former students, however, his legacy extends beyond his military achievement. They remember him first as a teacher whose lessons, discipline and personal example continued to influence the lives of those he taught.