BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The University of Ibadan (UI) and Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School (MMASS) emerged as champions in their respective categories at the 13th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2024) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar.
The event’s grand finale took place on May 25, 2024, at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex in Lagos.
Mr. Oyedele Philemon from UI and Miss Olubode Testimony from MMASS secured their victories after presenting compelling oral defenses of their essays.
University participants addressed the topic, “The Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Developing a Workable Solution for Nigeria and Africa,” while secondary school contestants explored “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Future Air Transportation.”
NTEC founder and national coordinator, Mr. Ewos Iroro, highlighted the importance of technology in aviation, noting that sustainable aviation fuel and artificial intelligence are pivotal in addressing industry challenges.
He emphasized that the competition aims to uncover hidden talents and nurture future aviation professionals.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Mrs. Christabel Eromosele, praised the initiative for its role in bridging the manpower gap in the aviation industry.
She expressed confidence that the 2024 cohort would produce world-class aviation professionals, reinforcing the event’s theme, “Unveiling Today’s Talents for Future Opportunities.”
The competition’s essays and oral defenses were evaluated by an independent panel of assessors led by Mr. Basil Agboarumi, Executive Director of Communications & Government Affairs at SIFAX Group. The panel included esteemed members from various aviation sectors, ensuring a comprehensive assessment process.
In the tertiary institutions category, Mr. Oyedele Philemon received a cash prize of N150,000, while Miss Olubode Testimony was awarded N100,000 in the secondary schools category, both sponsored by Airline Logistics and Management Limited (ALML).
Second-place winners Mr. Amoo Titoluwa from the University of Lagos and Miss Ekuma Onosewo from Princeton College received N100,000 and N60,000 respectively, sponsored by OAS Helicopters. Third-place winners Mr. Ubokobong Michael from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Mr. Patrick Chidiebere from Abiolu Comprehensive College were awarded N50,000 and N40,000 respectively.
In his keynote address, Mr. Alex Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, discussed the looming workforce shortages in the aviation industry. He cited an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) projection of a need for over 350,000 new pilots by 2026 and a significant shortfall in aviation maintenance workers and air traffic controllers.
Mr. Nwuba concluded that future aviation jobs will require a blend of knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs), digital competence, cognitive flexibility, continuous development, and discipline.
The event’s success was made possible by contributions from sponsors such as GHI Assets, SAHCO, Sabre West Africa, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), NCAA, FAAN, and OCP International.
