By Solomon Okpo
EKET, In a passionate open letter addressed to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, a concerned citizen, Mr. Daniel David Edon, has called for the urgent establishment of an Aviation University in Eket, highlighting its potential to transform the state’s economy and educational landscape.
Citing the state’s strides in aviation with the success of Ibom Air and the existing infrastructure at the former Mobil Airstrip in Eket, Edon proposed that the university would serve as the first of its kind in South-South Nigeria. He emphasized that the initiative would complement ongoing development efforts under the governor’s Arise Agenda and complete the aviation legacy started by past administrations.
“This initiative will not only benefit our State but also contribute to the Nation’s economic development,” Edon wrote. “It is my strong personal conviction that the establishment of an Aviation University in Eket will be a game-changer for our State and the Nation.”
The proposed university would offer specialized programs in fields such as Aviation Management, Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance, Air Traffic Control, Pilot Training, and Cabin Crew Training, among others. Edon recommended a partnership model involving key aviation stakeholders such as Ibom Air, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to ensure international-standard training and accreditation.
He further suggested that the state could reduce startup costs by utilizing the existing infrastructure at the Mobil Airstrip, which already boasts a runway, tarmac, classrooms, and aviation training equipment. He also noted that with recent talks of the Nigerian Air Force considering the site as a base, there could be opportunities for technical and personnel support.
Drawing comparisons with other aviation institutions like the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria and International Aviation College (IAC) in Ilorin, Edon argued that Akwa Ibom’s strategic location in the Niger Delta and its growing aviation profile make it an ideal candidate for such an institution.
The letter outlined potential benefits of the project, including:
Job creation for residents
Attracting investment and boosting the state’s economy
Developing a skilled workforce for the aviation industry
Reducing brain drain by offering world-class training locally
Positioning Akwa Ibom as a regional aviation hub
Edon offered to collaborate with the state government and consultants to develop a comprehensive proposal, including a detailed budget, sustainability plan, implementation timeline, and market analysis.
He concluded by tying the proposal to the vision of past leaders, referencing the development of Ibom Airport by former Governors Victor Attah and Godswill Akpabio, and the creation of Ibom Air under Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“The establishment of an Aviation University by your government would complete and make good the vision of our leaders in the aviation sector,” he wrote. “We wouldn’t need foreign pilots or engineers. Instead, other states and nations would look to us.”
As Akwa Ibom celebrates its 38th anniversary, the call for such a transformative institution now lies in the hands of the current administration.
