Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has advanced plans for an Aerospace University in the state through a collaborative effort with President Bola Tinubu. A federal assessment panel has recently visited Kwara to evaluate the proposal to convert the Aviation College, Ilorin, into a full-fledged aerospace institution.

The visit, led by delegates from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, was coordinated by Dr Mary Arinde, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, who confirmed the state government's commitment to the project during a meeting at the ministry's conference hall in Ilorin.

Dr Arinde highlighted Kwara State's visionary approach under Governor AbdulRazaq, stating that the administration has consistently prioritised tertiary education and specialisations aligned with national development goals. The proposed Aerospace University aims to position Nigeria as a leader in aviation and aerospace technology while addressing skilled workforce shortages in the sector.

"This proposed conversion of the International Aviation College, Ilorin to a full- fledged Aerospace University is a bold step towards positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global Aviation and Aerospace industry" Dr Arinde explained.

She retreated that the Aviation College, Ilorin has a strong foundation in the training of world class pilots and aviation professionals. She assured the team of the State's support for the smooth transition of the College to an Aerospace University.

Also Speaking, the team lead from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mallam Lawal Ibrahim commended the State Government for it's passionate vision to convert the Ilorin Aviation College to an Aerospace University and for its investment in the education sector, which is highly commendable.

He added that the Aerospace University is a product of the visionary synergy between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who is prioritizing the development of the state.

He promised a fair assessment for the College, considering the interest of the visionary leadership of the Governor of Kwara State who is keenly interested in the availability of an Aerospace University in Kwara State.

Earlier, the Rector of Aviation College, Ilorin, Captain Okatahi Yakubu appreciated the team and thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his foresight to upgrade the Aviation College to an Aerospace University.