Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
The Stay Up Aviation Institute of Technology, Ibadan, marked a major milestone on Saturday as it graduated its 50th batch of aviation professionals, reaffirming its position as one of Africa’s leading aviation training centres.
The Managing Director and Director of Studies, Captain Kenneth Oudah, described the event as “a golden chapter in the journey of the institution.”
Founded in Lagos in 2008 and relocated to Ibadan in 2009, Stay Up has trained more than 2,000 aviation professionals from Nigeria and across West Africa, many of whom currently hold critical roles in airlines, airports, aviation firms and logistics companies worldwide.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Captain Oudah highlighted the unique features that have distinguished the institute over the years.
“Stay Up is internationally recognised. We have partners across six continents—North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa,” he said.
“We don’t only train our students; we support them with job placements. Over 95% of our graduates now work with major aircraft operators in Nigeria and abroad.”
The Director explained that the school’s strong foundation in safety, practical exposure and global collaboration has earned it several local and international awards, including the Nigeria Top Executives Award in Transport (recognised by transport executives in New York, USA) and the Travel Personality Centenary Award by ATQ News.
In a feat rare among African aviation schools, Stay Up has successfully designed and constructed multiple prototype aircraft. Under Captain Oda’s leadership, the institute recorded the following achievements:
- Built a two-seater, single-engine aircraft in 2012
- Designed a one-seater ultralight aircraft in 2013
- Developed and tested a functional parachute system in 2015
- Built two additional ultralight aircraft with aerodynamic improvements in 2016.
In 2020, Captain Oudah was invited by the Government of Uganda to design a four-seater aircraft. The project progressed to the ground movement stage but was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
“We are not just an aviation school; we are a hub of innovation. We are committed to building capacity, building aircraft, and shaping the future of aviation technology in Nigeria,” he noted.
With artificial intelligence transforming global aviation, Captain Oda said the school has redesigned its curriculum to ensure students remain globally competitive.
“This is the computer age. Artificial intelligence is shaping the aviation world, and our students must be ahead,” he said.
“Our pilot and engineering students take basic studies here and undergo advanced training abroad to experience modern technologies firsthand.”
The Director appealed to government at all levels to support training institutions with facilities and funding.
He outlined key needs such as:
- Dedicated space for a runway and hangar
- Advanced simulators
- Manufacturing-friendly facilities
- Scholarships and sponsorships for students
“Aviation training is expensive. With government support in facilities and sponsorship, Nigeria can become a hub for aviation training and even aircraft manufacturing,” he stressed.
Captain Oudah said the aviation sector in Nigeria is improving but still requires more investment in training and manpower development.
“We are getting there, but there is still a lot to be done. We need more aviation schools that train with safety and excellence in mind,” he added.
In his convocation address, Captain Oudah applauded the graduating Batch 50 students for their discipline, resilience and commitment.
“Discipline is your runway. Professionalism is your altitude. Safety is your compass,” he charged the graduates.
“The sky is not your limit—it is your runway.”
Parents, aviation partners, industry stakeholders and well-wishers attended the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the new graduates.
