The International Aviation College (IAC), Ilorin, Kwara State, has graduated four students. While one obtained a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine, the others got their Private Pilot Licences (PPL).

This is coming about a month after five newly-graduated pilots were decorated by the college, increasing the number of pilots, produced from March 2022 till date, to 31.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, at the graduation ceremony, reiterated his commitment to the continued funding and support of the college to contribute its quota to manpower development in the aviation industry.

Represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Hajia Habeeba Saidu, the governor commended the management and staff for their dedication.

He urged them to maintain momentum in churning out more students to reduce the backlog.

The governor also advised the new pilots to be exemplary ambassadors of the college and apply their training and skills in uplifting the aviation industry.

Acting Rector of the college, Capt. Yakubu Okatahi, thanked Abdulrasaq for his support, and urged the graduands to unleash their skills and potentials in contributing to the growth of the aviation industry.

“The industry is waiting for your contributions, do not to disappoint,” he told them.

One of the graduands, Ezema Chindera, who described his graduation as the fulfilment of a long dream, appreciated the government's support which has kept the college going.

Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi has directed the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairmen in the 16 local government areas to sponsor their indigenes for the Standard Pilot and Flight Dispatchers' Courses at the college.

Alabi spoke at a meeting with the college's management and chairmen. He advised the chairmen to take advantage of the college's presence in Kwara by sponsoring their indigenes through the school.

According to Alabi, local governments that cannot afford the fee for the standard pilot course can still sponsor about three persons for flight dispatchers' course which is equally a lucrative aviation-related course.

The deputy governor thus directed the college, particularly the Business Development Unit, to liaise with the ALGON Chairman to ensure the plans see the light of day.