The International Aviation College, Ilorin, Kwara State has graduated 19 student pilots, including 10 enrollees from the Nigerian Army, the highest in the history of the training school.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Ilorin on Friday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called for sustained perseverance, discipline, and teamwork among pilots.
“It’s been six months of rigorous training that got you here. You have learned a lot within this period, from perseverance and discipline to team building. You must sustain these to succeed,” he stated.
Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, the governor said the graduates of the institution are not just equipped with certificates but have also imbibed the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute meaningfully to 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.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended the management, staff, and students of the college for their tireless efforts in sustaining 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 the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army,” he added.
“As you graduate 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 for which the Nigerian Army is known. 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.”
Rector of the college, Captain Yakubu Okahtai, for his part, explained that the Private Pilot License (PPL) serves as a gateway to advanced aviation training, enabling graduates 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 and military aviators. This training is more than just an introduction to flying; it instills 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 provided to help them excel in the dynamic aviation field. He also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for giving them the opportunity to train at the esteemed aviation institution.
“Today marks the culmination of months of hard work, perseverance, dedication, and rigorous training. 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 examinations, and cross-country navigation,” he added.
