Kwara flaunts pilots’ training potentials

OndoReporter | Kwara flaunts pilots’ training potentials



Since its estalishment in 2012 by former
Governor Bukola Saraki, the International
Aviation College was seen as a strange idea in
a civil servant state like Kwara, contrary to the
vision of the founder.

Against the backdrop of the scathing criticism
of being elitist because of the very expensive
school fees, the motive behind it’s creation
was due to the shortage of pilots in the
aviation industry,combined with the
government’s youth empowerment strategy
and the institution’s potentials to contribute to
Kwara’s Internally Generated Revenue.

Similarly,the strategic location of the
institution along the Airport Road attracted
development to that axis,which in turn has
increased the value of property in that
area,and this has had multiplier effects on the
economy.

Meanwhile, the college trained 25 cadets of the
Nigeria Air Force in 2014,while several states
and foreign governments have been
indicating interests in sponsoring students for
training in the college.

The administration of Governor Abdulfatah
Ahmed claimed it has expanded the
institution’s capacity through financial support
and provision of aircraft.

Last Wednesday, the aviation college broke
new grounds when it flagged off helicopter
training in partnership with Nigerian Navy.

Ahmed, at the ceremony, noted that since the
operation began in 2012, the college has
continued to focus on producing the best pilots
and aviation professionals.

He said the flag-off of the helicopter training
makes the aviation college, number one
destination for comprehensive aviation training
in Nigeria and West Africa.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Chief
of the Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe
Ibas, for the partnership assuring that Kwara
State government will support the
collaboration and ensure its success.

According to him, the collaboration may not
have been possible without the training
competences and current Aviation Training
Organisation (ATO)status of the institution.

Given the college’s accomplishments,facilities
and partnership with elite organisations such
as the navy and the air force, Ahmed called on
aviation operators to employ more locally
trained pilots as Nigeria has the training
facilities, structures and personnel to train
world class pilots.