Student pilot turns okada rider after being abandoned by govt

By Musa Kiliya

BIRNIN KEBBI (CONVERSEER) – A brilliant and hardworking young man, Abdullahi Abubakar, who was previously a student pilot in 2018, has now resorted to working as an okada (commercial motorcycle) rider due to lack of financial support and inability to pay his school fees.

At the beginning of his journey, Abdullahi Abubakar was given the opportunity to study at the International Aviation College, Ilorin (IAC). The Kebbi State Government sponsored part of his training by paying a portion of the fees amounting to two million naira (₦2,000,000). This support enabled him to complete one year of training for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL).

Abubakar underwent several aviation training programmes and sat for the Ground School Examination, where he performed excellently. He also passed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) examinations with excellent results.

However, when he reached the Circuit and Landing stage of his training, the funds provided by the Kebbi State Government were exhausted. This forced him to return home in search of means to continue the training, which requires ₦1.8 million.

Since 2019, Abubakar has been trying to apply for a scholarship through the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Scholarship Board, but up till now, he has received no response.

“Therefore, I am appealing to the Kebbi State Government to come to the aid of this young aviation student, considering that the ₦2 million already invested will go to waste if the training is not completed.

“Indeed, this is a great opportunity for Kebbi State to produce a talented and skilled young professional like Abdullahi Abubakar, who is determined to achieve his dream.

“I also call on key stakeholders in Kebbi State, including businesspeople and politicians, to support and sponsor the remaining ₦1.8 million needed to enable this young man to become a qualified pilot,” Musa Kiliya, a concerned citizen said.

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Converseer reports that Abdullahi Abubakar is an indigene of Kebbi State, from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, with licence number 7468(A).

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