The International Aviation College, Ilorin, on Friday said it had graduated 80 categories of pilots since the establishment of the Institution five years ago. The Rector of the College, Capt. Abdulmumin AbdulKareem, disclosed this at a reception for the 3rd Batch of 10 students' Pilot Course from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). "All the pilots trained by the college are practising in various parts of the world with all categories of aircraft", he said.

He added that training of pilots was one of the key drives of the institution with the aim of ensuring that the products of the college competed with their counterparts in international ratings. The rector said the college had been collaborating with the Nigeria Navy for the training of its Helicopter personnel.

"The college is under Civil Aviation Organisation and is in contact with many countries of the world and can boast of modern equipment", he said. He said 10 more personnel would undergo rigorous training for 18 months and they would be issued with private pilot license. Abdulkareem said the college had been enjoying good and robust partnership with NAF.

He disclosed that 11 students had graduated in the first set and 14 in the second set while ten students would be presented for the third course. He stated that the institution was operating in line with the best international practice, adding that the quality of delivery, personnel and equipment in the college had attracted individuals and organisations within and outside the country.

Presenting the 203 Medium Airlift Group of NAF to the Rector, the Commandant 203 of NAF, Group Capt. Shayo Olatunde, said the key vision of the Chief of Air Staff is training and re-training of the Air force personnel.

He pointed out that the personnel of the force had been sent for training in South Africa, United Kingdom and some within the country. Olatunde said NAF had confidence in the college due to the quality of training being offered.

He called on the personnel to use the advantage of their age to excel during the training. He congratulated the selected air force personnel for the training and charged them not to fall below the standard set previously.