By Chinelo Obogo
In a remarkable showcase of talent and innovation, the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, and Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School (MMASS), Ikeja, Lagos, emerged victorious in the tertiary institutions and secondary schools categories, respectively, at the 13th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2024) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar.
This year’s event tackled the critical issues of sustainable aviation fuel and the looming manpower shortage in the aviation industry.
The grand finale, held recently at the training hall of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, saw Mr. Oyedele Philemon of UI and Miss Olubode Testimony of MMASS win top honors following an impressive oral defense of their written essays. Participants in the tertiary institutions category were tasked with exploring “The Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Developing a Workable Solution for Nigeria and Africa,” while the secondary schools category addressed “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Future Air Transportation.”
Mr. Ewos Iroro, the coordinator of NTEC, emphasized the relevance of the chosen topics. “The aviation industry has been at the forefront of embracing technology to address its challenges. Two areas currently prevalent are the application of artificial intelligence in operations and the development of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce carbon emissions. These issues inspired this year’s essay topics.”
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Deputy General Manager of Passages and Protocol, Mrs. Christabel Eromosele, highlighted the importance of the event. “This program not only aims to develop our youth but also addresses the aviation industry’s manpower needs. I am confident that from this class of 2024, we will soon celebrate world-class aviation professionals. The theme, ‘Unveiling Today’s Talents for Future Opportunities,’ is timely, acknowledging the undeniable talents of the present generation and celebrating the organizers’ dedication.”
In his keynote address, Mr. Alex Nwuba underscored the urgent need to address workforce shortages in aviation, particularly for pilots, maintenance technicians, and air traffic controllers. He pointed out that a significant portion of the current workforce is nearing retirement age. Citing International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) estimates, Mr. Nwuba revealed a need for over 350,000 new pilots by 2026. Additionally, there is a shortfall of 12,000 to 18,000 aviation maintenance workers, and the FAA predicts that over 10,000 new controllers will be needed in the USA alone in the next decade.
The event concluded with the winners receiving their well-deserved rewards. Mr. Oyedele Philemon, representing the tertiary institutions category, won a cash prize of N150,000. Miss Olubode Testimony and Mr. Amoo Titoluwa of the University of Lagos were each awarded N100,000.
This year’s NTEC and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar not only celebrated the intellectual prowess of young Nigerians but also highlighted the critical issues of sustainable aviation practices and the impending manpower crisis, setting a foundation for future solutions and innovations in the aviation sector.