The Kwara State government is set to collaborate with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, to advance aviation training within the sector.
This partnership will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state-owned International Aviation College (IAC), Ilorin, expected to be signed soon.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde, announced this initiative while inaugurating a week-long training program for the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) at the IAC.
She emphasized that the government has fostered an environment conducive to collaboration between the IAC and other institutions to bolster the aviation sector.
Despite limited resources, Dr. Arinde reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the IAC in all areas.
She revealed that the government is considering the IAC management’s proposal to establish a School of Engineering, a move anticipated to enhance the college’s internally generated revenue and enable it to access TETFund interventions.
Other proposals, including the introduction of short courses such as cabin crew training, are also under consideration.
“The State Government will continue to support her own Aviation College within her limited resources in all aspects. We have done so many for the College since this present dispensation in the State came on board in 2015 and we will continue to do more with a view to repositioning the College for effective service delivery”.
She also highlighted the IAC’s partnership with the Nigerian Army, which has enrolled ten officers in a private pilot license training program to be completed within six months.
In his address welcome, Rector, IAC Captain Yakubu Okatahi, urged aviation correspondents to maintain objectivity and avoid sensationalism in their reporting, which could damage the reputation of the Nigerian aviation industry.
Chairman of LAAC, Mr. Suleiman Idris, assured that reporters dedicated to aviation will continue to provide coverage and reportage aimed at fostering growth and development in the industry.
“We are ready to help you spread the gospel, whatever you need from Kwara and the federal government in terms of funding, we will assist you to pass the message in the most strategic manner, to enable you put IAC on the global stage through a robust, mutually beneficial manner”.