Future of the Aviation Industry in Africa

Over 17 years’ experience in:
i. Development and Grants Management Over $100 million in grants for national and local initiatives in Health insurance & financing, particularly for Programmes with potentials to impact on the vulnerable populations.

ii. Strategic Planning and Facilitation Led strategic planning process for national programmes that have improved significantly access to healthcare in Nigeria. Well versed in translating Missions and Goals into operational Plans with appropriate indicators and Annual objectives.

iii. Budget Management Extensive Experience in Public Financial Management and budgeting with appropriate financial analytical tools. Designed financial protocols & procedures to control costs and monitor disbursements.

iv. Policy Development Well versed in Policy analysis and development particularly in assisting Federal and State Governments and Agencies in the development and implementation of key Policies.

v. Organizational Development and Capacity Building Participated actively in the design and review of the structure and operations of various Public and Private non-profit organizations, including selection of key and take-off teams and coordinated staff capacity building functions. Have managed a team of over 150 staff located in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

vi. Advocacy & Media Function Experienced carrying out Advocacy /Engagement of key Stakeholders of the Health and Social Services Sector, particularly the Federal, State and Local Governments and the Organized Private Sector.

John R. Akpan is currently the Head of Training at the prestigious Universal School of Aviation. He has been training for Universal School of Aviation (USA) since 2017 as a Cabin Crew Instructor. Between 2007 and 2017 ( 10 years) was at the prestigious and foremost aviation institution... NCAT Zaria in the Flying School as Head Cabin Crew Training Unit. Was responsible for bringing to bear on the College management under the then rector, in the formalization of the Cabin Crew Training with Aircraft type rating for licencing on B737-300/400/500 in an MOU with Chanchangi Airline based in Kaduna. He had a good grounding in all areas of Aviation in the Flight Operations Department of Nigeria Airways Ltd. for a period of 28 years ( 1976--2004) and finished as Mgr. Cabin Crew Training.

Between 2004 and 2007 had been a freelance instructor for several Airlines in Nigeria that includes Aero Contractors, Kabo Air, ADC , IRS, Dasab, SLOK Air etc. His Educational career has spaned through the early 60s and mid-70s for his primary , secondary, higher school, and tertiary learning. Was opportuned to have flown as a Cabin Crew member with British Airways and Air Atlanta and trained in facilities of Emirates Airline, Jordanian Aviation Training Simulation ( JATS) in Jordan, Airbus Industries in Toulouse , France and Scandinavian Airlines.

John R. Akpan was born on the 14 March 1950 in Lagos but hails from Nsit - Ubium LGA of Akwa Ibom State. A lover of football, reading, and an astute writer who also loves to swim and cook.

Ifeoluwa Onifade, hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, is a trailblazing figure in the aviation industry, with over 15 years of unparalleled expertise spanning flight dispatch, ground instruction, aviation training, travel consulting, and Drone Piloting. From an early age, Ifeoluwa's fascination with aviation ignited, propelling her towards a journey of outstanding success.

Her journey commenced with the acquisition of certification in air ticketing and reservation, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career course. Ifeoluwa's academic pursuits led her to attain a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Lagos State University.

Driven by an insatiable passion for exploration and a desire to soar to new heights, Ifeoluwa seamlessly transitioned into the realm of independent travel consulting. Her innate talent for understanding the intricacies of the industry facilitated her evolution into flight operations, where she ascended to the esteemed position of a licensed flight dispatcher and flight operations officer.

Ifeoluwa's commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to sharing her knowledge propelled her into the role of a distinguished instructor. Armed with certifications and licenses from the United States, she has had the privilege of shaping the futures of countless aviation professionals, from pilots, flight engineers, flight attendants, flight dispatchers, aviation managers to ground staff, globally. Ifeoluwa's expertise has left an indelible mark on the industry, both domestically and internationally.

Underscoring her commitment to continuous growth and development, Ifeoluwa holds a Masters degree in Airline and Travel Management, coupled with a Masters in Mass Communication. These qualifications serve as a testament to her relentless pursuit of professional excellence. Additionally, Ifeoluwa, married with four kids, serves as an assistant Lecturer in the University, further showcasing the impact she has made not only in the aviation industry but also in the education sector.

Her robust credentials from all over the world, including being a United States licensed Drone Pilot, United States licensed Ground Instructor, an IATA Dangerous Goods certified trainer, Nigeria- CAA licensed Flight Dispatcher, and Authorized Instructor, speak volumes about her prowess in the field.

Undoubtedly in a league of her own, Ifeoluwa’s illustrious career showcases exceptional competence, resilience, and unwavering dedication. She not only shapes the future of aviation professionals but also inspires countless others to reach new heights in their aspirations, fostering a legacy of excellence and ambition in the industry and beyond. Her journey embodies the belief that passion, perseverance, and proficiency are the keys to limitless success in the skies.

Mrs. Ifeoluwa is the Chief Ground Instructor at the Prestigious Universal School of Aviation.

Eseigbe S. Kelvin, has been an instructor for the past 4 years. His job include instructing in Airline ticketing, Airline reservation as well as Tourism Management and he is also a good salesman. His passion for impacting knowledge to others also saw him become an adjunct lecturer in the prestigious ESFAM University. His unparalleled expertise makes him a very good travel consultant/ticketing officer .
As an instructor for years , Kelvin embodies great physical strength and stamina, excellent communication, and outstanding critical thinking.

Eseigbe S. Kelvin was born in the year 1991 from the rural owan west local government area of Edo state, where he attended both his primary and secondary education. Kelvin is a graduate of mass communication from the Auchi federal polytechnic .He also has several aviation certifications to his credit.

Kelvin is a senior lecturer in the Universal School of Aviation, Abuja Campus.

Dr Paul A. Onuh holds a PhD in Political Economy, with a vast teaching, research, and administrative experience.

His research expertise is in the areas of the Political Economy of Democracy, Public Policy, Security and sustainability.

He is a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.