Capt. Eno Inah, Commissioner for Aviation and Aerospace in Cross River State, used the occasion of Lagos Aviation Academy’s (LAA) 8th anniversary to stress the critical importance of professionalism in aviation. Addressing cadets and instructors at the academy’s Ikeja campus on Wednesday, Capt. Inah warned that any lapse in standards could endanger lives.
“Aviation is one of the most serious professions globally, as it deals with the safety and lives of people,” he said. “Everyone must fulfil their responsibilities to ensure the team’s success and uphold professional standards.” He urged students to remain focused in their studies, reminding them that graduates will represent the academy in the wider aviation community. “Graduates will become ambassadors of the academy and must be punctual, firm, and committed to excellence,” he added.
Capt. Inah encouraged trainees to seek out mentors who can guide them through the industry’s strict regulations and technical challenges. He praised LAA’s management for expanding the institution’s capacity to meet growing demand for skilled aviation personnel. “In a strictly regulated aviation sector, professionalism is paramount for airline crew and ground staff alike,” he noted.
Mr. Bolaji Durojaiye, Head of School at LAA, reflected on the academy’s rapid growth since 2017. Initially operating with six classrooms and a single aviation training certification, LAA now offers more than 31 courses, including flight operations, aviation management, and air traffic control. “Building this institution to its present standard has not been without challenges,” he said. Durojaiye shared that over 3,125 students have graduated to date and announced plans to launch aircraft maintenance and licensing programs before year-end.
Speaking on the academy’s role in meeting regulatory requirements, Durojaiye said, “Our goal is to produce world-class aviation professionals who can compete globally.” He acknowledged support from industry partners and aviation authorities, emphasizing LAA’s ongoing commitment to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.