The Senate has passed the second reading of the bill to establish the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilaro Remo, Ogun state.
Senator Olugbenga Daniel, the sponsor of the Bill, presented the lead debate on its general principles during the plenary session.
The Bill, titled “Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo, Ogun (Establishment) Bill 2023,” aims to elevate the federal technical college to a fully-fledged Federal College of Aviation Technology.
Leading the debate, Daniel said that the Bill which was read for the first time on the 10th of October aimed at upgrading the Federal Technical College to a full-fledged Federal College of Aviation Technology.
He said that the Bill sought to make the College provide full time courses in various specialisations in the aviation industry and to make provision for the general administration of the College.
“From the early days of aviation to the present, technology has played a crucial role in improving the safety, efficiency and capabilities of aircraft,” he said.
He also said that aviation technology in Nigeria had witnessed significant growth and development over the years.
“As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria has made notable strides in the aviation sector both in terms of infrastructure and technological advancements especially in the areas of airports and infrastructure, navigation and communication Systems, Aircraft Maintenance and repair.”
Daniel, however, said that while Nigeria had made significant progress in aviation technology, there were still challenges to address.
He said that challenges to be addressed included the need for continued investment in infrastructure development, enhancement of safety and security measures and the promotion of research and innovation in aviation technology.
“By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can further strengthen its aviation sector, boost economic growth, and promote connectivity both domestically and internationally.”
Supporting the motion Senator Titus Zam (APC-Benue) said that, “I realize that in the whole of Nigeria, there is only one aviation technology school located in Zaria.
“And given the nature of the size of the country and the volume of air travel our economy requires, one single aviation school may not be able to serve the aviation needs of the country.
“So establishing another one in the south-west makes not only economic sense, it also makes both political and air service sense.”
In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio referred the Bill to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TET Fund to report back in four weeks.
