Nigeria’s aviation industry has been boosted as the Federal Government has approved the listing of Eastwing Aviation Training Institute under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Having met the technical evaluation by the Federal Government, Eastwing Aviation Institute can now admit students through the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and upon completing their studies, students will be awarded national diplomas and high national diplomas.
While receiving the federal government’s approval certificate, Christopher Edeh, founder and CEO of Eastwing Aviation, said it’s been his desire to give back to society considering his life trajectory and experience in the Nigerian Air Force.
“Being the first aviation school in the South-East region means a lot to us. It means we are getting closer to the dream of becoming an asset to society,” he said.
Explaining the process of getting the institute certified, Edeh described the process as a communal effort as he was able to receive the necessary support throughout the quest.
He urged youths to take advantage of the opportunity offered by Eastwing Aviation Institute to achieve their dreams of becoming pilots, aviation engineers, and cabin crew or to take other careers in the aviation sector.
“What this approval means for our youths is that they now have the opportunity to explore this field, even if it means just coming to us for advice. The institute would encourage and help build their dreams because we do not want youths to stay idle after graduating,” he said.
According to him, bringing the aviation institute to the doorstep of youths in the Eastern part of the country would enable them to build careers in the aviation sector.
While decrying the idea of youths going to airports only to carry luggage for people when they can build an aviation career, he said there are many areas in the aviation field where Nigerian youths can fit in.
Citing an example, Edeh said that one of the talented and hardworking security personnel he worked with in the past later became an aircraft maintenance engineer in one of the airlines after he was encouraged to do more for himself.
The Eastwing Aviation Institute recently established a non-governmental organisation to encourage less privileged youths who are talented but cannot pursue their dreams financially.