The Senate, on Wednesday, considered a bill seeking to establish the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara-Remo, Ogun State in furtherance of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Bill, which was sponsored by the Senator representing Ogun East and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, also successfully scaled a second reading on the floor of the Nigerian Senate.
On the 10th of October, 2023, the Bill was first read on the floor of the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
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In his lead debate on the general principles of the Bill, Senator Daniel explained that it essentially, among others, aims to upgrade an existing Federal Technical College to a fully-fledged Federal College of Aviation Technology in order to provide full time courses in various specialisations in the aviation industry.
The lawmaker observed that while Nigeria has made significant progress in aviation technology, there were still challenges to address.
According to him, the challenges in the aviation sector include the need for continued investment in infrastructure development, enhancement of safety and security measures as well as promotion of research and innovation in technology.
Daniel added, “By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can further strengthen its aviation sector, boost economic growth, and promote connectivity both domestically and internationally.
“The establishment of the aviation technology college in Ilara-Remo, will no doubt boost academic training and research in the areas of aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and pilot training while complementing the existing Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.”
Senator Daniel noted that Ogun State already has an existing Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ilisan-Remo, with the state government also planning an Aerotropolis, adding that the proposed college would complement the airport.
The former governor, who stated that the existing Federal Technical College, Ilara-Remo was in disuse, suggested that the facility can conveniently be made to offer courses for the Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara-Remo.
He, however, urged his colleagues at the Senate to support the Bill.
In their various contributions to the debate, Senators Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Titus Zam (Benue North-West), Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), spoke unanimously in favour of the Bill.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who also supported the Bill, thereafter, ruled that it be referred to committee for Tertiary Education and TETFUND for further inputs.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
