The Nigerian Air Force said yesterday is to sponsor 25 officers for pilot training at the Ilorin International Aviation College.

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh disclosed this in Ilorin during the first graduation ceremony of the college where nine pilots who completed training in Standard Pilot one (SP1) received their certificates and licences. The college which was initiated by former governor Bukola Saraki in 2009 commenced flight training on June 30, 2012 and currently has 44 students.

Badeh, who was represented by Air Commodore Babatunde Adekoya said the Air Force identifies with the vision of the state and in view of this, is planning to send 25 of its men for training at the college.

Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, said the vision to establish the college by the state government was definitely a huge support for the federal government's efforts to meet capacity needs of the aviation sector. Oduah who was represented by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Mr. George Uriesi charged the new pilots to brace up to confront the enormous challenges before them as they climb the ladder to the peak of their chosen career.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed who pledged the state government's continuous financial support to the college said the IAC would introduce Aviation Management and Engineering courses in conjunction with the newly established College of Engineering of the state university.