The International Aviation College Ilorin on Friday graduated 19 student pilots, including 10 enrollees from the Nigerian Army.
This is the highest in the history of the training school.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Ilorin, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq called for sustained perseverance, discipline, and team building among pilots.
“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 were 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.
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.”
Rector of the college, Captain Yakubu Okahtai, explained that Private Pilot License (PPL) serves as a gateway to advanced aviation training.
He said it will enable 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.
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 and instructors for their expertise and opportunity.
“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 examination and cross-country navigation.”
The star civilian graduate, Musa Aliu Damilola, thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for supporting his dream of becoming a pilot with state sponsorship at the International Aviation College Ilorin.
Musa further explained that “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 the Governor who sponsored me to the college. Now, I am pursuing my CPL after PPL”, he submitted.
(Daily Trust)
