By Eric Elezuo

The Aeroport College of Aviation, one of the leading institutions of travels and tours, recently held its second convocation ceremony, churning out to the Nigeria public a total of 207 well trained graduates in various fields of aviation concern.

Held at the magnificent Excel Oriental Hotel at Airport Road, Lagos, the event witnessed the celebration of four landmark activities. Apart from the traditional graduation ceremony, the opportunity was used to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the CEO/Founder of the college who doubles as the Director of Studies, Mr. Oludayo Taiwo’s journey into the travel business.

Again, the event witnessed the launch of two books written by the Director of Studies which dealt comprehensively with aviation, travels and tours in their totality as well as presentation of awards to deserving operators in the world of travels and tours. The books are Fundamentals of Travel and Tourism and Introduction to Cargo Handling.

Best graduating student, Amy Nwobi, making a thank you speech

In his speech at the ceremonies, the Director of Studies recounted the tortuous journey of 10 years in the industry which, according to him, began on a very humble note. He noted that his secret to staying afloat in the 10 years that has come and gone was his ability to look up to those who have made a success of the business as well as constantly upgrading himself.

“I had a dream to be a better man, and so I enrolled for training home and abroad. I looked up to those who have succeeded in the field, listened to eloquent advice, received encouragements from loved ones and colleagues and paid attention to every little detail,” he said.

Appreciating as many that has stood by the college during sand and storms, Mr. Taiwo was pleased on behalf of the organisation to present awards to notable personalities and sister agencies including Mrs Joanna Owolabi of Connoisseur Travels and Tours; Mrs Oyindamola Idowu of Quantum Travels Limited and Mrs Adetoun Fawode also of Quantum Travels Limited, who bagged the Distinguished Partner Award.

Mr and Miss Aeroport

Others were Mr. Oyegunle Olugbenga who won the Prestige Pacesetter award; Mr. Uko Ikechi for Icon of Transformation award; Dees Travels and Tours for Prestigious Travel Company award and Hadur Travels and Tours which won the Prestigious Tourism Company of the Year award among others.

In the students’ category, Miss Amy Nwobi was awarded the Best Overall Student honours for her brilliance and co-curricula exploits.

The college proved that it was not just about learning and aviation as it also crowned Mr and Miss Aeroport in a competition that attracted the interest of almost all the students and their guardians. In the end, two lovely students; a male and female emerged the king and queen.

Established in 2014, Aeroport College of Aviation and Management Training is a branch of Aeroport Travels and Tours Limited. In its short period of existence, it has proved that quality and productivity have remained its watchword, as it has produced the best services and students who can hold their own anywhere in the world.

The school, located on 41 Osolo Way, 7/8 Bus stop, Airport Road, can boast of well informed and enthusiastic instructors and practices an up to date curriculum.

We Raise Professionals at Aeroport – Oludayo Taiwo

After the awards ceremony, The Boss encountered the Director of Studies, Mr. Oludayo Taiwo, and he revealed as follows:

How do you feel?

Sincerely, I feel fulfilled; I am so glad right now. I give all the glory to God because He is the one responsible for everything and has made it out rightly possible. This is the 2nd edition and we graduated 207 students.

How many events took place here today?

We actually had four events rolled into one. First of all, we had the 2nd convocation of Aeroport College of Aviation and Travel Management, then the Award Ceremony and presentation to notable people who have supported the institution over the years. At the same time, I am having my 10th anniversary as a Travel Professional and lastly we are having a book launch which is published in the name of Aeroport and Travel Management. We have two books actually, the first is fundamentals of travel and tourism, the second is Introduction to Cargo Handling.

How were you able to raise finances for the event and get people interested in your profession?

It’s been God, meanwhile I must say my colleagues have been very supportive and the students themselves have been helpful. My colleagues have done a good deal of work and special thanks to our Special Guest of Honor, Mr. Ikechi Uko; he has been a mentor and today we awarded him as Icon of Transformation in the Tourism Industry.
What dreams do you have for the institution?

We are seeking national institutionalization, already we have local accreditation. We have the VIZZ awards coming up and we are also listed on Aviation Voice which is an international platform for aviation schools all over the world and Aeroport happens to be one of the first schools listed there. We are seeking national recognition but we do not want to stop there, we want to be known in West Africa and beyond the continent of Africa.

So, for those seeking admission into travel and tours institution; what would you say to them?

I would say to them, categorically, what we know how to do in Aeroport is to raise professionals and from what you have seen, we have done well; we have won accolades and awards, and I would tell them not to relent in their work, if they desire to be great, it is possible with hard work, commitment and perseverance. If they are looking for where to get the best training, the place for them is Aeroport Aviation College and Travel Management, that is because we have what it takes; from qualified instructors, a conducive learning environment, national and international recognition to many more. We have what it takes to open them to lots of employment opportunities when they are done with training.