The High Cost of Aviation Training: A Barrier to Entry for Many

The aviation industry in Nigeria is facing a critical shortage of skilled personnel, largely due to the prohibitively high cost of ab-initio training. 

The astronomical costs of these programs, ranging from millions of naira to hundreds of thousands of dollars, are a significant barrier to entry for many aspiring aviators.

This was the focus of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative ASRTI, Business Breakfast Meeting in Lagos with the theme: “Manpower Strategy Training, Succession and Human Capital Development in the Nigerian Aviation Sector”.

For instance, the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria charges N23 million for pilot training for two years, maintenance engineering standard training for 120 weeks, N2.7 million, abridged for 90 weeks is N1.8 million, excluding feeding, accommodation and On-The Job, Training OTJ, and for cabin crew 10 weeks training, N430 among others. 

For individuals from low-income backgrounds, financing such training is a significant challenge, effectively limiting access to aviation careers to only those who can afford it.

Former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Benedict Adeyelika, emphasized that the high cost of training has restricted access to aviation careers, resulting in the country missing out on the opportunity to harness its human capital fully.

“It has become a business of the children of the rich which is not, certain policies need to change”.

However, stakeholders are calling for the establishment of scholarship schemes from states, public, and private organizations to fund the training of a significant number of young people and continuous training and upgrade of professionals.

According to Dr. Gbenga Olowo, former president ASRTI, “For you to leave the sector to children of the privileged, would be a disaster so, the government policy must be so focused to address that missing gap in every sector, pilots, engineer, cabin crew, commercial men in every sector”.

Former Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA, Maxi Nnamdi Udoh says, “Aviation is tied to age, is tied to expiring technology and the only way to catch up is by training”.

President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Mr. Yomi Agoro, also expressed concern about the exodus of trainers leaving for greener pastures due to poor remuneration under the “Japa Syndrome” and seeking employment in aviation agencies.

“More than half of them have left NCAT, why? Because of the poor renumeration even some controllers trained ones are also leaving, the present situation in the country of ‘Japa’ or whatever”.

Other stakeholders emphasized the need to train additional air traffic controllers and engineers, as a substantial number of individuals are approaching retirement, leaving huge gaps in the near term.

“We are not resting on our oars because we know the danger that it portends for you not to train your staff. It is something that we look forward to because you know that is what will make you do your job effectively and efficiently”.

The stakeholders stressed that when talented individuals are unable to pursue careers in aviation due to financial constraints, the industry’s growth potential is stifled.

Addressing this issue, they say, requires a concerted effort from government, training institutions, and industry stakeholders to make aviation careers more accessible and affordable.

By making aviation training more accessible and affordable, Nigeria can harness its human capital and grow its aviation industry.