President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigeria’s Aviation College will be divided into six campuses, each strategically located across the country’s geopolitical zones, in an attempt to decentralize aviation training and make it more accessible to aspiring professionals nationwide.
Tinubu explained that the restructuring is part of his administration’s commitment to improving education and addressing regional disparities in access to specialized training. “By establishing campuses in all six geo-political zones, we are creating equal opportunities for Nigerians to pursue careers in aviation, regardless of their location,” he said.
The decision has been met with a mix of praise and skepticism. Proponents argue that the initiative will bolster the aviation sector by producing more skilled personnel, thereby improving the country’s capacity to manage its airspace and aviation infrastructure. A prominent aviation expert commented, “This is a transformative step for Nigeria’s aviation industry. It will provide regional hubs for talent development and reduce the financial burden of relocating to a single location.”
However, critics question the feasibility of implementing and funding the plan. A senator from the opposition party remarked, “While decentralization is good in theory, the government must ensure that these campuses are fully equipped and adequately staffed to deliver quality training.”
Tinubu assured Nigerians that the plan is part of a broader strategy to modernize the aviation sector and enhance its global competitiveness. “This is a long-term investment in our people and the future of Nigeria’s economy,” he concluded.