Dr. Eedris Adekunle Onifade, MD / CEO, Universal School of Aviation in an interview with NOBLE international Special Projects Coordinator, Ralph Akindele says hard-work, determination and integrity are the road map to success.
Can we meet you sir ?
My name is Eedris Adekunle Onifade, the MD/ CEO of universal School of Aviation
Let have insight about your educational background
I had my primary education at ASCON Staff School Badagry. I also attended Lagos State Model College Badagry between 1998 and 2004. I furthered my education at Olabisi Onabayo university Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State from 2008 to 2014 where I bagged a Bachelor of science degree. I also went on for a postgraduate diploma at the National Teachers Institute. My Aviation Certificate at International School of Aviation. I also had my master degree program at Lagos State University presently. I am presently Ph.D student.
What inspired you to commence Universal School of Aviation?
My Intention was to reduce the rate at which Nigeria students migrated in studying abroad, because by then aviation education was not so popular in the country. My aim was to bring aviation education nearer to the Nigeria Students at affordable fees so that they will have no reasons to study abroad.
What does Universal School Of Aviation stands for?
We are here to create job employment to the youths for those that want to establish their career in aviation industry. The citadel of learning (USA) stands for standard. We have been in the industry since 2008 and we are still waxing stronger Since then, we have been moving higher in terms of aviation training, consultancy etc. The school has the rightful team to achieve the aims and objectives and we are happy to contribute our quota to Nigeria economy.
As you celebrated 15th Years anniversary, where do you see the Citadel of learning in the next 10 years?
I was asked this question 5 years ago when we celebrated our 10th years anniversary, we have a vision which is to become the best aviation college in Africa. We are hopeful to achieve this before 10 years time. We believes with the way we are operating, it will be achieved. God’s willing, this our dream will come to reality.
As a director of studies in Universal School of Aviation, what are Your job descriptions?
The Job commences from my table and ends on my table .We have two operating campuses in Nigeria, Lagos and Abuja .We also have in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Proper guardians has to commence from my table and smooth running of citadel of Learning is my duty. Universal School of Aviation is a global brand.
Sir, what is your assessment of aviation industry in Nigeria?
The aviation industry in Nigeria is getting better compare to when we started .Now, we have more airlines springing up. The Government airline will soon commence operation. This will make Job employments to be available. There are regulatory body that are making sure that the industry is properly regulated and be at international standard.
In terms of operators, can we say Nigeria is at per with international standard?
Yes, Nigeria is at per with international standard. The international civil regulation aviation. They rate Nigeria aviation industry is soaring higher in the list of leagues of aviation industries worldwide.
If we are not per with standard, they will never recognize Nigeria aviation industry as one of the piloting nations. At, times, if you are in a Nigeria, you will not value the country until you travel outside and realize that our system is one of the best in the universe.
What are the job opportunities for your graduates in The labour market?
One of the major priority of the college is to make sure our graduates are gainfully employed in the Labour market especially in the aviation industry. Majority of our courses are attached to industrial training (I.T). During this industrial training, they get working experience on the Job and after the completion of the program, they got employed if the performance pleases the firm. But am saying it that we produces distinctive and outstanding graduates that does not search for jobs but jobs search for them.
What would you say about intending students that want to enroll but believes that Universal School of Aviation tuition fees is on high side?
Maybe they have not made proper findings because the institute is not expensive at all .we are friendly and accommodating, they should go online and find out how much we charge compare to our competitors. What they will even benefit and acquire is more compare to the cheap school fees they will pay.
What has life thought you ?
Life will continue to teach us new things every day. Life has taught me to more closer to God. With God ,all things are possible.
As a man of honor and integrity do you intend to venture into polities?
Not at this moment.
Sir, as we are in the technology world, how has technology improves your productivity?
WOW! It has really help especially during the covid-19 lockdown. I had my master degree in environment sustain ability. Am rounding up my Ph.D degree in environment sustain ability . Am a fighter of environment for positive changes. Here in Universal School of Aviation, we have reduced our paper works tremendously and decides to move digital by 70% since 2020. If you come here before lockdown, you will see papers (documents) here and there on our tables but technology has played vital roles. For example, our delivery of lectures are online while some are conducting in the classroom. Our registration process are completely online. Technology has make our mode of operandi easier and more productive.
As a busy man with tight schedule, how do you relax?
Honestly, I feels comfortable whenever am working because I love my job. The few time I also find to relax is whenever am with my family.
Kindly tell us the memorable day of your life.
Laugh! The day Universal School of Aviation commenced operation. It was like a dream. We started with just only twelve students and today the citadel of learning is a world-wide brand . We are the first aviation school in Nigeria to have campus outside Nigeria which is in Freetown, Sierra Leone. We also have partnership with a reputable and recognized University by the NUC and federal ministry of education for our students to be awarded Bachelor degree certificate.
As a leader, what advice will you give to the youths that look up to a professional like you?
My advice for them is to always be consistence in whatever they are doing .They should shun drugs and cultism because it kills and destroy destiny. They should also believe that God is the ultimate.
Thanks for your time
It’s my pleasure
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.