The economic downturn in Nigeria has seemingly impacted every sector across the country. The aviation sector is the recent to raise concerns as to how the high exchange rate, aviation cost for fuel and inflation has affected the management of the aviation college. Captain Yakubu Okatahi, the Acting Rector/CEO of the International Aviation College, Ilorin, made this known during an interview, where he solicited for the support of the federal government in contributing to the development of manpower in the sector.
Acting Rector pointed out that some of the challenges that the International Aviation College faced were a modal window. He noted that since they came on board in March 2022, there had been intense challenges but they were not deterred. He explained that they immediately started working on curbing these challenges and since, they have been working hard to continuously improve the situation. One of the many challenges he mentioned was that of students not flying as a result of the paucity of instructors. As a result, the college had to instruct some to stay at home and others in school. He noted that over the last few months however, the college had succeeded in graduating 25 students.
College aiming to self-fund, to avoid over-dependence on government.
Reports were raised about some students remaining in the college after the 17 months required to graduate as a pilot. On this challenge, he also explained that these students were met in the system and the college was working on moving them here and there until they graduated. Captain Yakubu stated that once these students graduate, there would be an opportunity to accommodate new students. While he discussed their plans to introduce a new school fee and no additional fee for students who stay longer than necessary, he promised that the trainings would only take 18-21 months.
The Captain applauded the efforts of the state government for paying for the college’s supervision and salary exactly when due. He also noted that funds required for acquiring spare parts were granted to them. On the number of trainees needed to run the college optimally, he noted that the college had enough tools and instructors to track the current students. He thus noted that there was a basic need for the college to be self-funding, so as not to be overly dependent on the government that is further saddled with being responsible for over eleven other sectors.
Foreign exchange said to affect the operations of the aviation college.
Asked if a state government can effectively fund an aviation college, Captain Yakubu noted that this was dependent on the revenue of the state government. He noted that the state government had the capacity to fund the aviation college. With reference to when they commenced, he further explained that there was enough funds and it was easier for them to solve impending problems but now, the economic downturn however overwhelmed the college. He thus attributed this reason to why some students did not graduate at the appropriate time.
Captain Yakubu indicated that the paucity of foreign exchange had increasingly affected the college’s operations. He explained that they were not getting their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria but from a second-tier market and as surges arise, the increase in price had hugely affected the operations of the college. On the problem of students staying more than the scheduled 18-21 months, he blamed it on the Covid-19 pandemic which stopped most operations across the world.
FG urged to look into assisting the college with yearly allocations.
He confirmed that presently, the fee was about N12.5 million for piloting, the same amount charged at Zaria. Whilst he disclosed plans for a higher fee, he noted that nothing was decided yet. Compared to other aviation schools, he disclosed that in South Africa, the training was charged at about N28 million which was exclusive to airfares, accommodation and feeding over the span of the training. In America, he stated that the fee was about $40,000. Captain Yakubu however implored the federal government to assist the college with yearly allocations. He also noted that the federal government should look into granting them relief on the fee they pay to customs (duty/taxes) for their imported spare parts.
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Ilorin’s aviation college merits FG’s support. – Despite the intense challenges faced, the aviation college is not deterred. – Express your point of view.
I’m happy the federal government are supporting the Ilorin aviation sector. It will help them to set up their aviation sector.
I believe that the Ilorin Aviation Centre is in need of the support of the Federal Government in order to make a contribution to the growth of workforce in the industry.
We need to have another airport in the country so that travelling and trading by air would be made easier for we the citizens.
The level economic downturn has downgraded Nigeria and how it impacted every sector across the country, it is highly demanding the federal government gives support in contributing to the development of manpower and youth empowerment in all sectors.
The government should help fund the students and people that want to go into the aviation sector and that will create a suitable chance for them to pursue their dreams.
It is unfathomable that the college’s operations have become progressively hampered by the lack of available foreign currency and that should change so we will not be affected too much.
Ilorin’s aviation college merits FG’s support. Very necessary for federal government should support the growth of Ilorin aviation college.
This is good of the government that the government is are given their support to Ilorin aviation this will help them in continue to build well and provide necessary things
The aviation college should be continue to be managed well by the government and not to be neglect the more support is given to it the more it will grow well
Government support for students and career-minded individuals interested in the aviation industry is necessary to give them a fair shot at realizing their ambitions.
In this time of hardship majority us affected. Kudos to the government for coming through for the Ilorin’s aviation college as this will get them back on track.
To me the aviation framework in general is underinvested in cause how come did they run out of infrastructure like that it’s such a pity, this is Nigeria truly.
The smooth operation of aviation colleges are very important to the sector growths. Government should try to support other colleges experiencing the aftermath of the deteriorated economy.
Due to the widespread effects of Nigeria’s economic decline on all areas of society, it is imperative that the federal government invest in fostering the growth of workforce and effort to encourage across the board.
The government spot for education in this country should be unwavering, these current students will definitely be our top officials in the future
The downturn in the country is affecting every sector in the country. Ilorin aviation college are really trying to keep the aviation college working despite the economic hardship. They truly deserve support from the Federal Government to keep the college running.
Nigeria’s economic downturn has a profound impact on every aspect of society, hence it is crucial that the federal government make investments to support workforce expansion and general encouragement.
It’s good new that the federal government have decided to support the Ilorin Aviation College. This would help as many people as possible pursue their dream in the aviation sector.
The high inflation rate is directly beating hard on the International Aviation College. It is making the institution to struggle to meetup with their daily needs. However, if government can step in it will go a long way in addressing their challenges.