‘We Built an Aviation Institute Without Government Support’ — East Wing Aviation Founder Speaks on Training Nigeria’s Next Generation of Engineers
The founder of East Wing Aviation Institute has shared the story of how the institution grew from a vision to expand aviation opportunities in the South-East into an accredited training institute producing skilled aircraft engineers, despite operating for years without government funding.
In an interview, he reflected on his journey, the motivation behind establishing the institute, the challenges facing aviation training in Nigeria, and why greater investment is needed in technical education.
Journey into aviation
He began his career in the Nigerian Air Force in 1984 before travelling to Russia, where he obtained Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees in Aeronautical Engineering, specialising in aircraft engines.
After returning to Nigeria in 2002, he joined the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) as an instructor and later headed one of its departments. He subsequently worked with CAC Canada and Mid-Air Contractors, gaining additional industry experience before deciding to establish his own aviation training institution.
Why East Wing Aviation was established
According to him, the decision to found East Wing Aviation was driven by the need to create opportunities for young people from the South-East, whom he believed were underrepresented in the aviation industry.
While working at NCAT, he observed that several state governments sponsored students into aviation programmes, but such opportunities rarely reached many aspiring candidates from the South-East.
He later acquired land in Enugu, developed the facility, and secured approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to begin training aircraft maintenance engineers and aviation professionals.
He noted that although many questioned why the school was located in Enugu rather than Lagos, he remained convinced that quality aviation training could thrive in the South-East.
Becoming an accredited institute
The institution transitioned from a training centre to a fully accredited institute in 2024 after receiving approval to admit students through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
It currently offers National Diploma programmes in Aircraft Engineering and Avionics Engineering, while also preparing candidates for aviation licensing examinations approved under the NCAA's regulatory framework.
He said the institute has trained hundreds of aviation professionals over the years, many of whom now work in Nigeria and abroad.
Expanding awareness in the South-East
Although many of the institute's students have come from the South-South region, he said efforts are now focused on increasing awareness across the South-East.
He highlighted scholarship opportunities for outstanding students and disclosed that the institute has partnered with a European institution to provide access to hundreds of online aviation courses at no extra cost.
The faculty, he added, includes retired Air Force personnel and former NCAT instructors with extensive industry experience.
Employment prospects in aviation
Speaking on career opportunities, he acknowledged that airlines have become cautious about investing heavily in staff training because trained professionals often leave for higher-paying jobs after completing their service agreements.
He encouraged students to prioritise acquiring internationally recognised skills and licences, stressing that competence gives professionals the freedom to pursue opportunities anywhere in the world.
Bringing EASA examinations to Nigeria
The aviation expert said East Wing Aviation became the first institution to organise European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) examinations in Nigeria.
The examinations have attracted candidates from countries including Ghana and Ethiopia.
He explained that earning an EASA licence requires candidates to pass 16 examination modules before completing practical training under approved European organisations.
The institute currently collaborates with aviation academies in Bulgaria and Cyprus to support students pursuing international certification.
Student enrolment and academic programmes
Since operations began in 2012, he estimated that more than 1,000 individuals—including international candidates—have received various forms of training through the institution.
As an accredited institute, it has graduated about 40 students so far, with class sizes regulated by NCAA requirements.
Students undergo industrial attachment at institutions such as the Projects Development Institute (PRODA) in Enugu before completing further practical training with airlines as part of their National Diploma programme.
The institute also offers programmes in Engineering Management and is seeking approval to expand its Higher National Diploma offerings.
Industry partnerships
Although the institute does not have formal partnerships with airlines, students complete industrial training with aviation operators.
He also conducts helicopter type-rating training on aircraft such as the AW139 and Airbus helicopters, while graduates who obtain their basic licences can proceed to specialised Boeing or Airbus type-rating programmes.
Plans for an aircraft maintenance facility
On plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, he said the major obstacle remains funding.
While the technical expertise exists within the institution, he explained that developing an MRO facility requires substantial financial investment, making aviation training the institute's immediate priority.
Funding challenges
Despite years of operation, he said the institute has received little external support.
Although the management wrote to the Enugu State Government seeking engagement, no meeting has been secured so far.
He identified the poor access road leading to the institute as one area where government intervention would significantly improve operations and accessibility.
He appealed to governments, corporate organisations and private investors to support indigenous aviation training institutions, arguing that they play a vital role in developing Nigeria's aviation workforce.
Why airlines struggle
He attributed the failure of many airlines to weak management and inadequate investment in critical areas such as maintenance, spare parts, fuel, staff welfare and recurrent training.
According to him, aviation is a highly regulated industry where cutting corners on maintenance or professional development may reduce operating costs temporarily but ultimately threatens safety and long-term sustainability.
