….as government Commits to Supporting IAC’s Vision and Objectives
The Kwara State Government has pledged its unrelenting support to the aviation industry, particularly the International Aviation College (IAC) in Ilorin.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Ronke Arinde, made this commitment while declaring open a one week training programme at the IAC, for the Leagues of Airports and Aviation Correspondent, LAAC, in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
According to Dr. Arinde, the state government will continue to support the IAC in all aspects, despite limited resources, stressing that, the government has already provided significant support to the college since 2015 and plans to do more to reposition it for effective service delivery.
She announced that, the government is also considering the request from the IAC management to establish a School of Engineering, which is expected to boost the college’s internally generated revenue and position it to access TETFund intervention.
Other requests, including the establishment of short courses like cabin crew training, are also being considered.
Dr. Arinde revealed that the government has created an enabling environment for the college to collaborate with sister institutions to promote the aviation sector.
The Commissioner said, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been concluded between the IAC and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, and the signing of the MoU is expected to take place soon.
She also highlighted the college’s partnership with the Nigerian Army, which has sent 10 officers for private pilot license training. The training is expected to be completed within six months.
Rector of the IAC, Capt. Yakubu Okatahi in his remarks, appealed to the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents to continue to report positively about the industry to the outside world and to partner stakeholders to educate the public about the industry.
He also emphasized the need to avoid sensational reports to avoid discouraging people from flying.
Chairman of LAAC, Mr. Suleiman Idris while applauding the sponsors of the training, assured them that, the knowledge and skills garnered would be geared towards the development and growth of the industry in their coverage and reportage.
“This is the second time that LAAC is undergoing this annual training here at the International Aviation College, Ilorin after experiences of similar trainings for decades at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology NCAT, Zaria, and you can testify that differences in the knowledge and skills we gathered from this training last year, has not only sharpened our understanding of the aviation industry, it also reflected significantly in our coverage and reportage of the industry’s events”.
He assured the IAC management of their unalloyed support in promoting its activities, “From the relationship between LAAC and IAC so far, it is obvious that our partnership can only grow higher and higher. I wish to reassure you that LAAC will continue to support IAC in pursuing its vision and objectives and ensure that IAC furthers its performance in the global aviation training market”.
In attendance were representative of the Acting Director, General Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, management staff of IAC.
