IAC: Best Destination of Choice for Aviation Training

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP

As International Aviation College, Ilorin, Kwara State continues to work hard to deliver on its core mandate of training pilots with allied staff in the aviation sector of the nation economy, it is imperative to look at its uniqueness and ability to maintain its leading position in the aviation sector. Moreso, the need to get the general public properly informed on the activities of the college under the leadership of Captain Yakubu Okatahi, an astute administrator, with competent management and staff who are averse to negotiating discipline, character and professionalism.

Credit goes to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON), who doubles as the visitor to the college, for his invaluable role(s) in successes recorded in all the training programmes, providing conducive environment, ensuring that facilities are accessible while the college is also working closely with the state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajiya Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, to achieve uttermost success.

A keen observer of the activities in the college would have come to an inescapable conclusion that the institution has maintained high standards and producing intelligent, resilient and productive graduates in all course(s) offered, well equipped with knowledge and skills of highest professionalism, discipline and dedication. No doubt, the graduates of this citadel of learning are serving in various fields with honour and making their Alma-mater proud.

Graduation of over 60 students including PPL and CPL, successful training of 10 Army Officers for PPL, who have made the sky their battlefield, duty post and responsibilities already, signing of memorandum of understanding, (MOU) with Nigerian College Aviation Technology, (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State; training of three staff for flight dispatcher course and regular procurement of spare parts for its Aircrafts for training are among the many obvious achievements of the college.

Indeed, the institution is committed to providing training and re-training for those that deserve it. Moreso, it behooves on our State and Local Governments to get qualified applicants and placement in the college for proper training in piloting and other skill training in allied services in aviation industry. This is a sector that needs more lands and devoid of being immodest, jobs are readily available for skilled mind(s) in the industry.

A professional college like IAC, Ilorin is always a good training ground for great minds, either male or female students. Corporate individuals and organizations can take the lead in sponsoring qualified students to pursue a career in any of their programme(s). It is a prestigious profession that cannot be easily saturated in terms of providing jobs for teaming, promising youths in our societies.

The college does not train half-baked pilots or skilled minds, rather they provide a solid foundation for young professionals in the field, and prospective graduates such as Flight dispatchers, Flight instructors, Ground instructors and Engineers among others can build on this template through various trainings.

It would be recalled that the Rector, at different times, said, “Government agencies, Corporate organizations, Individuals, Local governments, Foundations, etc. should take advantage of many courses provided by the college to sponsor their loved ones to become self-reliant and make a career for a lifetime.”

In the college, knowledge impactors/lecturers/instructors are well equipped while the management makes training and re-training of these staff of the college a priority.

Despite lean financial resources at its disposal, the college made a good choice with the appointment of the Rector, Captain Yakubu Okatahi. With avalanche of experience, the aviator is reputed for being a fantastic and resourceful manager, who has been sailing the college in the right direction.

With the Okene-born Rector, Captain Yakubu Okatahi, are Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Hajiya Titilayo Wopa, a dynamic positive thinker and good team player; Bursar, Mallam Shamsudeen Sanni, a working computer and dependable Financial Advisor; Mallam Abdulrazaq Mustapha, the eagle eye of the college that ensures proper documentation and due process with other hard working staff of the college, all contributing to the many successes recorded in the International Aviation College, Ilorin.

The progress and future success of the college is very bright, with the zeal displayed by its management, staff, students and college community. With the remarkable achievements and legacies recorded, Ilorin International Aviation College can compete favourably in the comity of its contemporaries in Africa and indeed anywhere in the world in terms of professionalism, character and discipline.

If feelers from the familiar government quarters were anything to hold onto, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is watching with keen interest while the college continues to position itself as the best destination of choice for aviation training.

Ayangbayi, JP is a Journalist/Media Consultant based in Ilorin.