Experts have urged Nigerian youths to explore career paths in aviation rather than stick to the conventional style of taking up careers in other sectors.
The experts, drawn from different sections in the sector, made this call at the 8th Explore Aviation Careers with theme: Navigating the Future: Building Careers in a Dynamic Industry, held at the the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority annex at Lagos airport on Friday.
Speaking at the event, aviation experts and professionals, including Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (retd), President of Aviation Round Table Initiative, shared career advice, personal stories and insights into the dynamic world of aviation at the program organised by Aviation Hub Limited.
He urged the students to equip themselves with the basic knowledge that will form the foundation to take up careers in aviation, advising that their choice of subjects in secondary schools should be properly monitored.
Onitiju, who harped on science and engineering education as the most important aspect of foundation for those who want to take up careers in aviation, also encouraged the students to be determined and focused in pursuing their passion and not be discouraged by the any challenge.
Advising the students, Onitiju said, “Aviation is gender neutral, anybody can aspire for any career in aviation, if you can dream it,you can achieve it but your basic or secondary education constitutes the building blocks. There’s no subject that is not useful but pay attention to science and engineering subjects because science is empirical, a good background will fortify your reasoning and logic. A good basic education will serve you well because tomorrow is going to be tough for those who are not careful today. You must be well grounded in computer education and mathematics. You are still very young, the opportunities are there for you but you must be prepared”.
Also speaking, Capt. Segun Ajibade from Air Peace, who also shared his personal story urged the students never to give up in the pursuit of their passion and careers.
Ajibade told the students that even though he spent over N30 million to get his certificate, he did not get a job untill after seven years. He said says he is a pilot at the largest commercial airline in West Africa today because he didn’t give up.
“Aviation is expensive but this is not to discourage you, I am telling my story to encourage you to stay determined and never ti give whenever you are confronted with challenges along the path”, he said.
Engr. Gbolahan Abatan , Managing Director of AirFirst and Adedayo Olawuyi, Chief Commercial Officer, United Nigeria Airlines urged the youths to explore broader aviation careers other than cabin crew.
Olawuyi also spoke about the changing trends in global aviation, urging students to equip themselves with necessary foundation and skills that would prepare them for their careers.
“Air travel will continue to grow, we are witnessing a lot if changing trends, demand is also changing, for instance, what are the things you can use those new trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to do, you can always start from somewhere once you have the passion . There’s no path of your career that is wasted but just get yourself prepared, success happens when preparation meets opportunity”, he said.
Convener of the programme, Tolulope Dawidu said the theme, “Navigating the Future: Building Careers in a Dynamic Industry,” said is both timely and important as the aviation industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing global standards, emerging opportunities, and increasing demands for safety, innovation, and professionalism.
According to her, to thrive in this dynamic environment, aspiring professionals must be willing to learn, adapt, build relevant skills, and embrace continuous development.
The event brought together students from four secondary schools including: SounthField College; District Senior College, Meiran; Murtala Muhammed Airport School and Universal Aviation College at this year’s Explore Aviation Careers conference.
