4 days ago
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LAGOS – The Federal, State governments and private sector players have been called upon to subsidise civil aviation training for willing Nigerians to curb the rising dearth of aviation professionals in the country.
Capt. Samuel Caulcrick, the former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, advocated this position, recently in Abuja in his presentation, during the 25th anniversary ceremony of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Caulcrick in his paper: ‘Human Capital Development: Upskilling the Next Generation of Aviation in Nigeria,’ expressed worries that the aviation industry in Nigeria and the training of aspiring aviation professionals was faced with dire constraints unlike in the past when the government took it upon itself to train professionals for the sector, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Caulcrick recalled that the government in the past, had selected on merit qualified Nigerians to undergo training in the sector, saying that those chosen, rose in the industry, setting exceptional standards and becoming world-class aviation practitioners both locally and globally.
He, however, said that at present, many families were confronted with financial hurdles that hindered their children’s aspirations of becoming aviation professionals.
This, he also said, had led to a diminished recruitment pool for future talent in civil aviation across the country.
He added: “This phenomenon is troubling as it restricts our nation’s potential to nurture exceptional aviators who could elevate our industry. We may have been overlooking individuals blessed with talent, passion and ambition, yet held back by financial limitations.
“Many will agree, as I do, that this is a disservice to our nation, stifling our capacity to build an unrivalled elite workforce in aviation.
“To tackle this pressing challenge, I firmly believe our government can become a catalyst for change by considering subsidising civil aviation training, just as many nations continue to do.
“Developed countries, for example, benefiting from substantial military budgets, significantly invest in the human capital development of military aviation personnel using taxpayers’ money, many of whom eventually transition into civil aviation after their tour of military service – a default of subsidies in human capital development for their civil aviation.”
Caulcrick posited that Nigeria may not boast of such extensive military funding, but insisted the country could advocate the subsidisation of human capital development in civil aviation.
He expressed that this initiative would enhance accessibility to a wider diverse background and allow talented individual Nigerians with a passion for the industry to chase their dreams of becoming aviation practitioners.
Caulcrick maintained that the future of human capital development in aviation was paramount, insisting that the government must invest in the next generation of aviators, equipping them with skills and training that would propel the industry to exceptional heights.
“Success will stem from collaboration and partnership. Together—government, industry, and civil society—we can pave the way for the next generation of aviators,” he added.
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