Aviation studies will boost capacity development — Expert
By Tobi Adetunji
An Aviation and insurance expert, Mr. Bunmi Agbabiaka said the recent collaboration between Nigerian university and an Irish Aviation training company will boost capacity development in Nigeria.
He made this disclosure when reacting to the proposed collaboration between two renowned university (The University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Igbinedion University) in the country and an Aviation training institute.
In his words, “The development is welcome one, not only in terms of fixing the dearth of human capacity in the aviation industry. But the cumulative effect it will have on the continent of Africa.”
He noted that the development had been long anticipated by experts and stakeholders in aviation industry.
“We look towards a situation where more Universities in Nigeria will buy into such collaboration,” he said.
Earlier, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State have signed partnership deal with an Irish aviation training company, Newcastle Aerodrome, to commence degree programme in Aviation Studies.
According to the universities, both institutions agreed to bridge the gap in manpower in aviation by training professionals.
Speaking at the signing of the partnership deal, The Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, who was represented by one of his aides, Adewale Adelaide, said, “The government will support anything that would improve knowledge and expand our technical expertise in every area. That is the reason government is looking for partnerships with the private sector.”
The Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Charles Igwe, who was at the occasion, described the partnership as the best thing that had happened to him in his capacity as the VC.
While decrying the lack of aviation studies in Nigerian Universities, he said that it was one of the areas the country was yet to fully tap into in terms curriculum studies.
“It is good to know that the training will start in UNN. We are going to ensure that Nigeria gets the best in aviation studies in UNN,” Igwe stated.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said, “We are positive that the partnership, when fully operational, will bear mutual benefits to our two parties while advancing quality delivery of assigned responsibilities.”
Earlier, Chief Flying Officer and Director of Aerodrome Newcastle, John Nugent, said that the partnership was historic being the first time two Nigerian Universities – the first public university and the first private university would be coming in partnership with an international aviation school to enroll students to train as pilots.
