The Ilorin International Aviation College is scheduled for commissioning on October 1, 2010. When commissioned, the college will be the second aviation training school in Nigeria. The site of the college is presently a beehive of activity as preparations continue towards its official takeoff. The project is the brainchild of Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Executive Governor of Kwara State. It is one of several projects, which he has spearheaded in an effort to reposition Kwara State nationally, and globally. Having nursed the project from inception, and through the difficult period of the global economic meltdown, the college is now scheduled to be commissioned on October 1, 2010.

From The Rector
Speaking on the future of the college, the rector of the college, Kenneth Hawkins, stated that the college will takeoff in October with a student population of 20. According to him the first set of students are expected to complete their training by April 2011. He commended Dr. Bukola Saraki for sparing no expense in making sure that the school is equipped with the state of the art in training facilities.


Dr. Bukola Saraki and IAC Rector, Kenneth Hawkins

He explained that the Diamond aircraft, which the school will be using for training, is the state of the art in training aircraft. He said that the Diamond is made of composite material, which makes it lighter and more fuel efficient than aircraft made from aluminum. . He pointed out that the Boeing 747 is also made of composite material. He said that the Diamond aircraft uses diesel rather than AGO. Speaking further, he stated that aircraft made from composite material cannot be parked in the open, as this could lead to structural defect. Consequently the training aircraft for the students will not be flown into the country until the hangars in which they will be kept have been made ready.


Diamond Training Aircraft for Students

Speaking further, he stated that the college will also have flight simulators, which will use the latest flight simulation software from Oxford Aviation Academy. The rector Kenneth Hawkins is a seasoned airline pilot, with more than 35 years experience in the airline industry, during which he held several managerial positions. He retired from North West Airlines.

College Layout
The college is situated on the outskirts of Ilorin, in close proximity to the Ilorin International Airport. It presently consists of 3 main buildings. These are the headquarters, student hostel, and the rector’s house. The headquarters will house staff offices, classrooms, and the flight simulators.


3D Illustration of aerial view of IAC


3D and actual image of headquarters


3D and actual image of student hostel


3D and actual image of rector's house

When completed, the project will be a credit to the Kwara State Government and Dr. Bukola Saraki, who seems to be developing a reputation for pushing ambitious mega-projects successfully. As with many other projects of the Kwara State Government, it is a Private Public Partnership project. The Kwara State Government has provided the take-off capital for the college. However, private investors are expected to take up equity in the project. The state is expected to hold no more than 50 % equity in the college.