FAAN Targets Next Generation to Bridge Aviation Skills Gap

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 FAAN Targets Next Generation to Bridge Aviation Skills Gap


The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a strategic initiative aimed at cultivating a new pipeline of talent for the aviation industry, focusing on secondary school students and gender diversity in technical roles.


The programme, spearheaded by Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, FAAN’s General Manager, Training and Human Resource Development, aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) objective. 


The initiative seeks to address a critical shortage of professionals in specialised fields such as piloting, aeronautical engineering, aviation security, and firefighting.


Speaking of bridging the gender and professional gap, Akinlade emphasised that the aviation industry is often viewed strictly through a technical lens, which can sometimes discourage young students or result in gender imbalances.


"We are bringing awareness to the young generation to let them know that aviation is a very interesting place to work," Akinlade stated. 


"We find that we do not have a lot of professionals, especially gender-related, in key professions like pilots, engineers, and firemen," she said.


Beyond the cockpit and the hangar, the programme also highlights "aviation-adjacent" careers, including aviation medicine and aviation law, proving that the sector offers a robust career path for various academic interests.


Akinlade said the initiative recently held its maiden edition which featured a diverse lineup of industry experts, including female pilots, doctors, and specialists from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).


Students from various institutions, including Chrisland Schools, participated in the interactive sessions. 


She highlighted a notable relationship with Caverton, which introduced students to the evolving world of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) and their applications in logistics and technology.


Akinlade emphasised that the programme tends to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) showing students how their classroom subjects translate into real-world aviation operations.


"The programme was rich, and the students were quite excited and educated, but sustainability is everything. We intend to sustain this and have more of these programmes later in the year, inviting even more schools," she said.



Speaking to the participants, Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director, Special Duties at FAAN encourages the children to take up career path in the aviation industry.


According to Orah, the NGAP initiative is aimed at attracting young people into choosing career in aviation.


She commended FAAN training school for hosting the initiative.


By reaching students before they make their final university selections, FAAN hopes to ensure that the "next generation" is not only aware of the opportunities within the industry but is actively inspired to lead it.

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