
Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) has soared to new heights with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art building on June 25, 2024. This expansion marks a significant step forward for LAA, exponentially increasing its ability to train future aviation professionals. The event, held at Emina Crescent, drew key industry figures who celebrated LAA’s commitment to excellence.
Maintaining High Standards
Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Mr. Bankole Bernard, emphasized LAA’s unwavering dedication to upholding the industry’s stringent regulations. He recounted the academy’s origin story, stating, “The idea for Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) struck me in Madrid, Spain, when the International Air Transport Association (IATA) informed me that Nigeria only had ten aviation training centers. I thought, ‘That can’t be right! Nigeria has a population exceeding 200 million, and we only have ten?’ So, I decided to establish the eleventh one, and we aimed to make it the very best. That’s how LAA came to be.”
A Legacy of Success
Established in 2017, LAA boasts a distinguished track record, having already empowered over 2,000 students to take flight in their aviation careers. This impressive achievement is a testament to LAA’s commitment to rigorous standards. As Mr. Bernard explained, “Many shy away from this field due to the high regulatory requirements set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). You simply cannot launch a cabin crew or dispatcher program without the NCAA’s approval.” LAA’s graduates are well-positioned for success, with many finding employment with airlines, travel agencies, or pursuing careers as certified flight dispatchers.
Doubling Down on Training
The new facility directly addresses the previous space limitations, effectively doubling the number of classrooms from four to eight. This expansion empowers LAA to run multiple courses simultaneously, significantly boosting its training capacity.
“Over the past seven years, we’ve trained more than 2,000 individuals,” Mr. Bernard remarked. “In our old location, we had four classrooms, but here, we have eight, and each one is larger. This translates to a multiplier effect. We can now train the same number of students we’ve trained in the past seven years within just two years because we can conduct courses concurrently without any hurdles. The new facility provides us with a much larger space to operate.”
Enhanced Learning Environment
The new classrooms boast a capacity of forty to fifty students each, a significant improvement compared to the thirty-student limit at the previous location on Toyin Street. Furthermore, recognizing the needs of students from outside Lagos, LAA offers on-site accommodations that can house up to 30 students at a time.
“Even for students residing in Lagos,” Mr. Bernard elaborated, “when they factor in transportation costs, they often find it more economical to stay on campus. The accommodations provide 24/7 electricity and full internet access, creating an optimal environment for focused study.”
Support from Regulatory Bodies
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Regional Manager, Bukola Teriba, representing Acting Director General Chris Najomo, extended her congratulations to Finchglow Holdings. She acknowledged LAA’s potential to significantly contribute to capacity building within the aviation industry and encouraged further expansion beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Targeting Aspiring Professionals
LAA’s Head of School, Bolaji Durojaiye, highlighted the academy’s focus on young people who possess the minimum qualification of an O’level certificate.
“Ideally, we prefer students to join us at a young age when their minds are still sharp and receptive to learning,” Mr. Durojaiye explained. “As my accountable manager likes to say, it’s been challenging to maintain such high standards, but we persevere.”
He further elaborated on the diverse range of courses offered by LAA. The faculties of Travel and Tourism and Technical/Operations provide training in visa application and processing, basic ticketing and reservations, and crafting tour packages. Additionally, LAA offers advanced and basic flight dispatcher courses, cabin crew ab initio programs, and passenger ground services training.
With the inauguration of its new building, Lagos Aviation Academy is poised to take its commitment to excellence to even greater heights. This expansion empowers LAA to significantly contribute to the development of a skilled and qualified aviation workforce, not only in Nigeria but potentially on a global scale.