Date: 2008-11-19

The Kwara State Government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Aviation Training and Consulting Institute of the United Arab Emirate, Dubai, on the establishment of an International Aviation College in the State.   

The proposed Aviation College which has been on the drawing board for the past two years is to handle the training of more pilots in Nigeria in order to complement the efforts of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria.   

Speaking at the ceremony, the State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki who signed on behalf of the Kwara State Government disclosed that acute shortage of pilots in the country coupled with under-utilization of the Ilorin Airport informed the decision to establish the Aviation College and a Cargo Terminal to make the airport functional.   

The International Aviation College, according to him, would be made the best Aviation Academy not only in Nigeria but in the entire continent of Africa, apart from providing employment opportunities for the people.   

Dr Saraki expressed confidence that it is possible to make the college the best in Africa in view of the quality and calibre of technical partners from Dubai, who will manage and run the college.   

Speaking on the commitment of the State Government to the Aviation College, he said no stone would be left unturned to ensure that the deadline set by the Board of the College was met.   

The President of Aviation Training and Consulting Institute, Dubai, Mr Mohammed Al-Zaabi explained that the vision is a good development that would benefit Nigeria, Africa and the World.   

He assured that the academy would be made a world class Aviation Institute to be reckoned with by the time it finally takes off.   

Also speaking, the chairman of the Board of the Aviation College, Alhaji Tunde Yusuf disclosed that about 50 hectares of land had already been acquired for the college with all the drawings completed for construction work to commence.   

He said the first set of 40 students of the college would resume in May next year with 20 students each for helicopter training and fixed wing, adding that training would commence with two Helicopters and two Aeroplanes.  

Yusuf, who disclosed further that the College has received full support from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority called on companies and relevant international agencies to sponsor students to the College. He, however, praised Dr Saraki for the moral and financial support he has given to the college.   

Earlier in his introductory remarks, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Barrister Rasaq Atunwa disclosed that the acute shortage of pilots in the country had led to the establishment of the College.   

He explained that Horizon Training Academy Dubai, which is expected to handle the Aviation College has international repute spanning over a long period, adding that it has been involved in the training of pilots locally and internationally.

Atunwa commended Dr Saraki for initiating the project, saying it is another milestone in the annals of the history of the State.   

It would be recalled that the committee on the proposed Aviation College was inaugurated in May 2006 to consider the viability and sustainability of an Aviation College in the State.   

The 17 man committee submitted its report to the State Government later in September after consultation with relevant stakeholders in the Aviation industry both in Nigeria and overseas.  

  
Billy Adedamola 

S.A Media to the Kwara State Governor 

November 19, 2008