By Cletus Asuquo, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has partnered with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, to train indigenous aviation professionals as part of efforts to boost human capital development in the sector.
Governor Bassey Otu disclosed this on Tuesday while receiving admission forms from the aviation institution, presented by his Special Adviser on Local Content, Awatt Caleb, at the Government House in Calabar.
The presentation followed a three-day working visit by the Special Adviser to the college in Zaria, Kaduna State, aimed at establishing a strategic collaboration between the state and the institution.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Caleb said the initiative reflected the Otu administration’s commitment to a “people-first” approach focused on capacity building and skills development.
He noted that the partnership would enable Cross River indigenes to access training opportunities across key aviation fields, including piloting, air traffic engineering, cabin crew services, flight instruction, aircraft certification and air hostess training.
Caleb also revealed that discussions were ongoing on the possibility of establishing a campus of the aviation college in Cross River State to expand access to specialised training.
According to him, the move is also tied to the state government’s recent acquisition of two CRJ-1000 aircraft, stressing that developing local expertise is essential for sustaining investments in aviation infrastructure.
“The governor is committed to ensuring that Cross River indigenes are well-positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the aviation sector. This initiative is about building a skilled workforce that can drive the industry forward,” he said.
Commending the Special Adviser for the initiative, Otu reiterated his administration’s resolve to empower youths through targeted programmes that enhance employability and technical competence.
He assured that the state would continue to support initiatives aimed at opening up opportunities in specialised sectors, particularly aviation.
In a related development, the state Commissioner for Aviation, Capt. Imah Eno Utum (retd.), pledged the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of aviation-related policies and programmes.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved the decentralisation of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology as part of efforts to expand aviation education across the country.
Under the new arrangement, the college will operate across multiple campuses located in different geopolitical zones, a move stakeholders say will improve access to training and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to produce globally competitive aviation professionals.
