Ogungbangbe Applauds FG on Aviation & Aerospace University.... urges partnership with foreign professionals for aviation security and global stability

By ISAAC OLUSESI

African nations can become competitive in the global aerial and space technology, with Nigeria as a preferred world destination for aviation and aerospace education, research and development, attracting transnational influence, foreign investment, job creation and growth of a robust ecosystem, Dr Thomas Ogungbangbe has said on the take off of African Aviation & Aerospace University (AAAU), located in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CITA ENERGIES stated this as the Visitor of the CITA's competence conferral on the company's technical staff after the completion of a workshop session in Lagos, refreshed with critical skills, essential for quality management and maintenance of aviation fuel storage, handling and distribution to aircrafts from the CITA depots across the nation's airports. 

Nigeria had woken up to the news that AAAU, Abuja, has officially commenced academic activities. Ogungbangbe applauded the exerting considerable efforts of the federal government on the university to generate a crop of African professionals in aeronautics and related space system engineering, preparing them for careers to swing upward, growth and development in the exciting aviation and aerospace industry.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) stalwart from Osun East Senatorial District, noted that the faculties of AAAU, designed to offer world-class trainings and researches in the sciences and engineerings of flights would enhance the nation's pool of experts, to become a well trained aviation and aerospace workforce. "The development would reduce the risks of accidents, incidents, and other flight threats to national security," he opined.

Hear Ogungbangbe: "the university is a milestone, having a vital place in aviation and aerospace education, research and innovation in Africa, to turn out well educated and skilled professionals and sway the growth and development of aviation and aerospace industry. This will cause social mobility and inclusion, impact Nigeria's competitiveness in trade and economic prosperity, and cause improvement in overall aviation safety, national security and global stability."

He added, "the good effort of the Festus Keyamo Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development on the existing regulatory framework has always enabled compliance with international standards and best practices in aviation safety, efficiency and sustainability," urging the university to focus on teachings and researches that will address Africa's growing demands for aviation professionals and fill the gap in the manpower shortages in the continent's aviation industry. 

The CITA certified professionals after the training period, were handed manuals for routine maintenance for aviation fuel storage, handling and distribution.

Some of the professionals, a good number of them, qualified Engineers who spoke with Olusesi in Lagos, said they can now boast of further proficiency in regular testing and inspection of aviation fuel to meet required standards, management of aviation fuel inventory and tracking dispenses into aircraft to ensure correct fuel quantities, surveillance to prevent unauthorized access to aviation fuel depots, adherence to International Air Transportation Association (IATA) standards, local regulations, and CITA's guidelines for aviation fuel storage, handling and distribution.

Ogungbangbe, who's also the Chairman of Aviation Fuel Marketers Association of Nigeria (AFMAN), a major stakeholder in aviation and aerospace industry, however charged that with the university down seated, firmly established in Abuja, the nation would have to continue its collaboration with foreign professionals for sustainable partnership. 

According to him, the joint effort could be on the sharing of knowledge and access resources in aero-mechanical engineering technologies, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and services in air traffic, control system and transportation network in global competitiveness to reap significant benefits in economy, politics, air safety and security.

 *OLUSESI writes via* isaacolusesi@gmail.com