Minister Highlights Need for Quality Aviation Training in Africa

Tanimu Hassan, Abuja.

Last updated Dec 16, 2023

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, says quality aviation training is critical to the development of a sustainable, and safe air transport industry in Africa.

Keyamo made the assertion on Friday at the 29th African Aviation Training Organization (AATO) Council meeting and the 10th anniversary of the organization held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The aviation minister represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mr Emmanuel Meribole, underscored the need for planning, coordination, and oversight of all complex operations in various aviation infrastructure, as the region faces shortage of critical skills in key areas of civil aviation.

“Aviation is a sector of strategic importance that supports a broad set of economic and social development,” he emphasized.

The President, Africa Aviation Training Organization (AATO), Ms Tendani Ndou, called on African nations to focus on the development of skills and capacity to bring about the expected changes in the aviation industry.

“It’s necessary to join forces together in ensuring that the African Aviation Training Organization is improving the levels of aviation safety in Africa,” Ms Tendani Ndou reiterated.

In response, the Secretary General, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Adefunke Adeyemi, represented by the Director, Safety and Technical Services, Mr Henry Okech, emphasized the need for the training and empowerment of women and young aviation experts in Africa for the development and sustainability of the sector.

Similarly the Regional Director for the Eastern and Southern African Office at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Ms Lucy Mbugua, highlighted some of the challenges of aviation training in Africa.

“Africa, with its vast and diverse landscapes, faces unique challenges in establishing adequate and sustainable aviation training infrastructure.

“Insufficient funding, outdated facilities, and a scarcity of qualified instructors also pose formidable challenges. Limited access to cutting-edge technologies, training facilities and equipment further compounds the challenges, hindering the development of a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of modern aviation,” Ms Lucy added.

The local chapter of the African Aviation Training Organization (AATO) was established in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, at a constitutive assembly hosted by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The AATO’s Establishment

The Association of African Aviation Training Organizations (AATO) promotes the harmonization and standardization of aviation training in Africa through cooperation, sharing of expertise and resources amongst members, other aviation organizations, and stakeholders.

Functions of the AATO include policy and guidelines development for aviation training organizations in Africa in order to facilitate their compliance with international and national standards and best practices in aviation training. The AATO also develops and advocates positions on issues of interest for its members and aviation training in Africa.

The African Aviation Training Organization’s 29th Council meeting and 10th anniversary had in attendance aviation experts from across the African continent.