Aviation stakeholders seek public and private sectors help in human capacity dev.
From Left to Right: Percival Uwechue, Qatar Airways, Tony Ukachukwu, CEO, Aviators Africa, Abimbola Caulcrick, Aviation Consultant, Joy Ogbebo, Convener, Rep. DG NCAA Alhaji Wakili Adamu, Richard Aisuebeogun, former MD, FAAN and Mr. Eedris Onifade, Director, Universal School of Aviation at the event.
The Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu has called for a sustained synergy and partnership among critical stakeholders to achieve the goal of sufficient, skilled and efficient trained manpower for the industry.
Captain Nuhu said, the call had become necessary to address the persistent demand for technical skills in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, air traffic control, airport maintenance and management.
According to him, the theme of the conference, ‘Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Through Scholarships and Sponsorships’ is a wake call to stakeholders on the urgent need for more fresh hands to close the gap created by ageing workforce and further develop and ensure succession plans for others to grow and take over.
He stated that, with the growing number of airlines, airports and mass movement of passengers and cargo, the industry would require a large pool of sound young professionals in all areas and departments to effectively handle these growth.
To achieve this, Captain Nuhu represented by the Director, Human Resources and Administration, NCAA, Alhaji Wakil Adamu said, these professionals would require robust training and development programs through sponsorships or scholarships.
“I therefore crave the indulgence of every critical stakeholders present, either private or public to support any initiative that will promote the sustainable development of the aviation industry either through training and retraining, scholarships, sponsorships, investment in aviation infrastructure etc”.
Organizer of the conference and cabin executive consultant, Ms. Joy Ogbebo stressed the need to start investing more on building human capacity as there is no better time than now.
“I cannot do it alone. We all have a role to play. The government, Airlines, private individuals, who are passionate about giving back, and corporate organizations. We all need to come together, because, obviously, the government cannot do it alone”.
Other speakers at the event suggested among others tax holidays to organizations, airlines, student loans and legislation to encourage capacity building for the industry.
“So we are looking at ways that this student loans can be affordable and the term of duration made very easy for anyone to pay. Encourage every organization to budget for training and sponsor a bill that supports tax holidays for these companies”.
Highlights of the conference was the presentations of awards to the NCAA DG, airlines, training organizations and individuals for supporting initiatives that create manpower development for the industry.
