Ilorin — After three years of planning, the much expected International Aviation College in Ilorin, midwifed by the administration of Governor Bukola Saraki through Public Private Partnership, PPP, will kick start academic activities by October to commemorate Nigeria’s 50th Independent anniversary.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the College, Engr. Tunde Yusuf, disclosed this when he led the board and management of the school to give update of the project to Governor Saraki at the State House, Ilorin.
Yusuf said the college would soon commence invitation of application for admission to the school, adding that students would be admitted from across West Africa sub region.
He disclosed that for a start just only 20 students would be admitted stressing that within the next three years the number would have risen to 100 targeted by the school.
The college boss said since the cost of running the course may be expensive it was being expected that the students would enjoy sponsorship from interested bodies.
He said about 10 instructors have been engaged and hinted that some of them are already undergoing training in South Africa to ensure that excellent instructions are imparted on the students.
Yusuf said that in view of the structures and facilities on ground, the college would emerge one of the best in Africa when takes off.
He said that four Diamond aircrafts for training have already been procured in Austria while the college was making efforts to complete process on the necessary protocols to clear cost for bringing them in.
Governor Saraki expressed delight that the college would eventually take-off by October and commended the Board for ensuring that the school becomes a reality.
Saraki said the plan for the school was to compete with the best ones around the world and implored management of the college not to compromise excellence .
He disclosed that by the time the college commences academic activities the state government would grant scholarship to three students, with one student representing the three senatorial districts in the state.
Governor Saraki also assured that he will use his seat as chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum to speak with his colleagues to sponsor students to the college as a way to ensure the sustainability of the college.
