Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has underscored the importance of discipline and teamwork in achieving success, as the International Aviation College (IAC) Ilorin celebrated the graduation of 19 student pilots on Friday. The cohort included 10 trainees from the Nigerian Army—the largest military contingent in the college’s history.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq urged the pilots to uphold perseverance, discipline, and collaborative spirit in their careers.

The Rector of the college highlighted discipline and precision as core values of the institution, while celebrated ‘drone maker’ Musa credited the Governor for fulfilling his dream of becoming a licensed pilot.

"It's been six months of rigorous training that got you here. You have learned a lot within the period from perseverance, discipline, to team building. You must sustain these to succeed," AbdulRazaq said.

Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education Saadatu Modibbo-Kawu, the Governor said the graduates are not just equipped with certificates but have also imbibed the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute meaningfully to the society.

"The state government is extremely excited to witness this very important achievement in the lives of these students. We are happy with the partnership between the College and the Nigerian Army," he added.

AbdulRazaq commended management, staff and students of the College for their tireless efforts to sustain the school.

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who spoke through the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade Nigerian Army Sobi Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, said the training seeks to fully operationalize the Nigerian Army Aviation.

"This will no doubt reshape the battle space for all our operations, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army," he added.

"As you are graduating today, embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth, and remember that with perseverance and resilience, you will go beyond the sky. I urge you to exhibit the core values of which the Nigerian Army is known for. You must remain focused always, and together, you will overcome obstacles, celebrate triumphs, and build a legacy that will endure throughout the annals of the Nigerian Army."

At the event were Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tertiary Education Barrister Sabitiyu Grillo; Registrar of the College Titilayo Sulaiman Wopa; and ground and flight instructors.

Rector of International Aviation College Ilorin Captain Yakubu Okahtai, for his part, explained that Private Pilot License (PPL) serves as a gateway to advanced aviation training, enabling them to transition into operational roles that will significantly enhance the Nigerian Army's air mobility and reconnaissance capabilities.

"This occasion marks not just the successful completion of a rigorous training exercise but also the beginning of a new chapter in the careers of these gallant officers who have chosen to serve their nation in the skies," he said.

"The Private Pilot License (PPL) training undertaken by our student pilots is a crucial foundation in their journey towards becoming proficient civil/military aviators. This training is more than just an introduction to flying: it instils discipline, precision, and a keen sense of responsibility, qualities that are essential for military aviation."

Okahtai appreciated the Kwara State Government for its invaluable role in the success of the training programme.

"The partnership between the Nigerian Army and the Kwara State Government is a testament to the importance of synergy between military institutions and civil authorities. This collaboration has not only contributed to the success of this exercise but has also laid a foundation for future training programmes that will continue to produce highly skilled military pilots," the Rector said.

Okahtai disclosed that since the inception of the current management in March, 2022, the College has graduated 62 Students.

Speaking on behalf of the new pilots, Lieutenant Smart Ebube Aghogho thanked the management of the College and the instructors for their expertise and the support they needed to excel in the dynamic field as well as the Nigerian Army for giving them the opportunity to get trained at the esteemed aviation training institution in Nigeria.

"Today marks the cumulation of months of hardwork, perseverance, dedication, and rigorous trainings. We can only thank God, who has given us strength and brought us this far," he said.

"We have overcome countless challenges from sleepless nights of studying, weekend classes, weekends of flying, progress checks, mocks, NCAA examination and cross-country navigation."

The star civilian graduate of the day is Musa Aliu Damilola, who trended three years ago after building mini planes and drones, which he later took to the Kwara State Government House.

Musa Aliu Damilola appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for supporting his dream of becoming a pilot with state sponsorship at the International Aviation College Ilorin.

"I appreciate His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support towards my career. I never expected to be here today, but here I am doing PPL graduation. He also supported me to acquire Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). He made my dream come true. I want to use this moment to appreciate him once again," he said.

"Right from my childhood, my passion was to become a pilot, but there was no support. I started by building small aircraft. Luckily, I met with a former Special Assistant to the Governor Cute Abiola who introduced me to His Excellency, and the Governor sponsored me to the International Aviation College Ilorin. Now, I am pursuing my CPL after PPL."