Students from Murtala Mohammed International School, District College Meiran, Universal School of Aviation, Aeroport College of Aviation and Travel Management gained rare exposure to frontline aviation knowledge on Friday.
The 9th Explore Aviation Careers Conference focused on how mentoring shapes future professionals. Therefore, the presence of students at the event reinforced the theme’s relevance.
The conference carried the theme, “Inspiring the Next Generation of Skilled Aviation Professionals: The Role of Mentoring.” It offered practical insights that encouraged students to develop discipline, curiosity and resilience. In addition, the speakers highlighted the long-term value of mentorship in building confidence and competence across aviation disciplines.
Captain Callistus Ifeanyi Inspires Students Through Mentorship
Air Peace’s Captain Callistus Ifeanyi opened his session with humour that immediately connected with students. He acknowledged that many recognised him from social media before shifting into a more serious reflection about the importance of guidance.
“But before I proceed, my name is Captain Kalistus Ifeanyi. I fly for Air Peace Airlines,” he said. “So many of you must have seen me on social media… some possibly this is our first time of seeing each other.”
He explained that many assume he cannot speak English because of his famous pidgin videos. However, he emphasised that mentorship requires sincerity and clarity rather than performance.
He recalled how he was a commercial motorcycle driver for 9 years, before a chanced meeting with his mentor.
“The worst part is that I don’t ride motorbikes like those people who ride around their neighbourhoods. I don’t ride motor cars like this guy. At that time, when they stop, when they don’t ride again, that is when they all want to jump onto my bike.”
Captain Callistus urged his mentees to never allow their beginnings to limit their future. He explained that on the path to growth, moments of rest can bring unexpected waves of anxiety. “When you pause, strong anxieties may run through your mind,” he said, noting that by evening, those worries can turn into a heavy fear that feels too difficult to carry.
But he emphasized that such fear is temporary. “That fear, yes, that fear, will disappear,” he assured them.
He went further to describe the value hidden in adversity. According to him, when challenges arise, people often discover an old, inherited fear: one shared by their families that unexpectedly becomes a source of strength. “You will realise there is a deep fear within you and within your family that will light up a candle inside that moment,” he said. “That is the truth.”
Captain Callistus recalled how a mentor once affirmed this inner resilience in him. “That’s the spirit I want to see,” he was told words that marked the true beginning of his own journey.
“Please, I want you students to give Mama J a resounding thank you,” he said, honouring Joy Ogbebo, the Convener. “You will not understand the importance of your presence here today, but maybe in the nearest future you will appreciate it.”
He reminded students that exposure to mentorship is a privilege. Therefore, they should use the opportunity to ask questions and commit to long-term growth.
“You are well privileged to have the kind of opportunities you have today,” he said. “To hear these conversations and attend events like this is something many people don’t get.”
Captain Joan Obasi Encourages Students to Break Barriers
Chief Pilot, United Nigeria Airlines, Captain Joan Obasi, delivered a powerful message about persistence, especially for young female students. She described her long educational journey from nursery school to the university and how each stage prepared her for the aviation industry.
“It’s all a stage we all go through,” she said. “I couldn’t wait to get to university… but even then, it wasn’t always easy. That’s what makes you who you are.”
She told students about the challenges of becoming a pilot during a period when female aviators were very few.
“I became a pilot when there weren’t a lot of female pilots,” she said. “Even today, we still don’t have the number of female pilots we would like. We are working on that. We are waiting for people like you to join us.”
Her message to female students was direct and empowering.
“Ladies, there is nothing you cannot do. Do not put any limitations in your mind,” she said. “A pilot is not just a man. An engineer is not just a man. There is no job women cannot take part in.”
She also encouraged students who studied unrelated courses to remain open-minded. She explained that her degree in business management did not prevent her from succeeding in aviation.
“I studied business management, but I went into the aviation industry,” she said. “Starting was hard, but I was determined. I was not leaving that place without what I came for.”
She shared that she trained in the United States, where she was one of only two women in a class of twenty-five and the oldest trainee. However, she refused to give up.
Before becoming a pilot, she spent eight years as a cabin crew member. Therefore, she urged students and cabin crew professionals to keep exploring new pathways.
“There is always a step forward,” she said. “Not everyone wants to be in the cockpit. Some people have a passion for teaching. Some love engineering. Some love operations. Find out about it. Do your homework.”
A Platform That Connects Students to Real Opportunities
Convener, Joy Ogbebo, known widely as Mama J, established the Explore Aviation Careers initiative to bridge gaps between young students and industry mentors. Her passion for developing aviation talent continues to attract respected professionals who provide guidance that students rarely access in their schools.
This year’s edition strengthened its reputation as a high-impact mentorship platform. Therefore, the candid stories from both captains encouraged students to believe that aviation dreams are achievable with consistency and dedication.
With Captain Ifeanyi and Captain Obasi sharing real experiences of setbacks and triumphs, the students left with renewed confidence. Meanwhile, the conference organisers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.
