BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
It was an evening of pride and recognition at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, as the graduating class of Aeronautical Operators Course AO32 celebrated their achievements and honoured two distinguished aviation leaders, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engineer Ahmed Umar Farouk, and the Director of Air Traffic Services (DATS), Mr. John Tayo.
The colourful graduation and award ceremony, held on October 24, 2025, drew top aviation professionals, instructors, and dignitaries who gathered to celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and service to the nation’s airspace system.
Engineer Ahmed Umar Farouk, NAMA’s Managing Director, received a distinguished award for his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s air navigation services.
The organisers praised his role in driving innovation, improving airspace safety, and strengthening collaboration between NAMA and training institutions like NCAT.
In his remarks, Farouk expressed gratitude to NCAT for the honour and commended the graduating class for their resilience and professionalism.
“This recognition reflects our shared mission — to sustain excellence in air navigation and ensure safer skies for Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. John Tayo, Director of Air Traffic Services, was honoured for his exemplary leadership and dedication to enhancing air traffic management nationwide.
His efforts in capacity building, operational efficiency, and safety oversight were acknowledged as pivotal to the growth of Nigeria’s airspace operations.
The highlight of the event was the graduation of the AO32 class, who completed rigorous academic and practical training in air traffic control and aviation operations.
Their success, officials said, underscores NCAT’s pivotal role in grooming world-class professionals for the aviation sector.
The ceremony reaffirmed the enduring partnership between NAMA and NCAT in promoting excellence, innovation, and safety across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
