Since its estalishment in 2012 by former Governor Bukola Saraki, the International Aviation College was seen as a strange idea in a civil servant state like Kwara, contrary to the vision of the founder.

Against the backdrop of the scathing criticism of being elitist because of the very expensive school fees, the motive behind it's creation was due to the shortage of pilots in the aviation industry,combined with the government's youth empowerment strategy and the institution's potentials to contribute to Kwara's Internally Generated Revenue.

Inside one of the institution's helicopters Similarly,the strategic location of the institution along the Airport Road attracted development to that axis,which in turn has increased the value of property in that area,and this has had multiplier effects on the economy. Meanwhile, the college trained 25 cadets of the Nigeria Air Force in 2014,while several states and foreign governments have been indicating interests in sponsoring students for training in the college.

The administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed claimed it has expanded the institution's capacity through financial support and provision of aircraft. Last Wednesday, the aviation college broke new grounds when it flagged off helicopter training in partnership with Nigerian Navy.

Ahmed, at the ceremony, noted that since the operation began in 2012, the college has continued to focus on producing the best pilots and aviation professionals. He said the flag-off of the helicopter training makes the aviation college, number one destination for comprehensive aviation training in Nigeria and West Africa.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, for the partnership assuring that Kwara State government will support the collaboration and ensure its success. According to him, the collaboration may not have been possible without the training competences and current Aviation Training Organisation (ATO)status of the institution.

Given the college's accomplishments,facilities and partnership with elite organisations such as the navy and the air force, Ahmed called on aviation operators to employ more locally trained pilots as Nigeria has the training facilities, structures and personnel to train world class pilots.