BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has been recognised by the federal government as the ‘Best Employer in SIWES Student Acceptance 2025’, an honour conferred through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in recognition of the company’s sustained support for student industrial training in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Vanessa Uansohia, SAHCO said the award reflects its consistent commitment to the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), particularly its regular intake of students and provision of structured, hands-on training for undergraduates from tertiary institutions across the country.
According to the statement, the award, presented earlier this month, acknowledges SAHCO’s role in promoting practical skills acquisition, workplace exposure and capacity building for Nigerian students, in line with the objectives of the SIWES programme.
The ITF noted that the company has remained a reliable partner in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry practice.
Reacting to the recognition, Chairman of SAHCO Plc, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, described the award as a strong validation of the company’s long-standing focus on human capital development.
He said SAHCO has consistently prioritised the grooming of young Nigerians by providing opportunities that enhance their technical competence and professional readiness.
“As a leading ground handling company in Nigeria and West Africa, SAHCO has always encouraged students to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom,” Dr. Afolabi said. “Beyond technical exposure, we also guide them on workplace ethics, professionalism and the realities of the work environment.”
He commended the Industrial Training Fund for the recognition, adding that the award would further motivate the company to expand its contribution to skills development and national growth, while supporting employment generation without discrimination.
Similarly, the Managing Director of SAHCO Plc, Mrs. Nike Aboderin, welcomed the award, describing it as an encouragement for the company’s people-focused initiatives.
She praised the ITF for its role in promoting industry-academia collaboration and workforce development.
“We appreciate the Industrial Training Fund for this honour. It will spur us to do even more in supporting skills development and contributing to the growth of the Nigerian workforce,” she said.
The award reinforces SAHCO’s reputation as an industry leader committed to youth empowerment, capacity building and sustainable workforce development within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
