Aviation College, Navy in joint ventures

From: LAYI OLANREWAJU, Ilorin

The International Aviation College (IAC) owned by the Kwara State Government, has trained a total of 110 pilots in different categories since its inception five years ago. Just as it signed a joint venture with the Nigerian Navy and an MoU with Kwara state University, which he said it is the only university offering aeronautic engineering.

Speaking with journalists, on Tu8esday, in Ilorin, Rector of the college, Mr. Abdul Abdulkarim, said that the licensed trained pilots included 45 commercial pilots, private pilots, instrument ratings and multi engine experts.

The Rector, who said that it had assisted to train pilots in the Air Force, police and oil sectors in the country since its establishment, added that graduates of the college were now presently engaged as commercial pilots and instructors in nation’s airline companies and aviation schools.

Abdulkarim also said that high financial implication of getting trained as a pilot in the country was due to foreign exchange, called for collaboration with organisations and individuals in sponsorship of students, equipment.

He appealed to other Nigerians to emulate the Speaker, Niger state House of Assembly, Alhaji Masara, who he said had sponsored 10 students in the college, adding that the students are expected to commence training in few weeks.

The rector of the college described the aviation college as a one-stop station for pilot training in Africa, saying that it can boast of seven aircraft and experienced tutors.

He listed some of the courses being offered in the aviation school to include fixed wing, rotary wing, flight dispatcher and technician courses.