The Senate has approved a measure on second reading that aims to transform the Federal Technical College in Ilara-Remo, Ogun State, into the College of Aviation Technology.
Senator Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East) was the bill’s sponsor.
On Wednesday, the measure was read a second time before being sent to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions for more legislative action.
Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, gave the committee four weeks to submit a report to the chamber.
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Mr Daniel, while leading a debate on the bill, said conversion of the technical college to an aviation college should be considered to resolve some of the challenges facing the Nigerian aviation sector.
The former governor of Ogun State, listed infrastructural development, security measures, research and technological innovation as some of the challenges that would be resolved when the technical college is finally upgraded to a college of aviation technology.
The senator said if the challenges are resolved, the Nigerian aviation industry will be developed to a high standard and the sector will improve the economy of the nation.
“While Nigeria has made significant progress in aviation technology, there are still challenges to address. These include the need for continued investment in infrastructure development, the enhancement of safety and security measures, and the promotion of research and innovation in aviation technology.
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“By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can further strengthen its aviation sector, boost economic growth, and promote connectivity both domestically and internationally,” he said.
Mr Daniel also explained that the establishment of the college of aviation technology in Ilara-Remo will improve academic training, research on aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and pilot training.
“The establishment of the aviation technology college in Ilara-Remo, will no doubt boost academic trainings and researches in the areas of aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and pilot training while complementing the existing Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.
“It may interest you to know that the Ogun State Government already has an existing Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ilishan-Remo and also planning an Aerotropolis; a city whose development will be centred around the airport. The existing Federal Technical College, Ilara-Remo is in disuse and can conveniently begin to offer the courses for the Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara-Remo,” he said.
