Excitement filled the air as Eastwing Aviation Institute made history in Emene, Enugu, becoming the first private aviation school to hold its inaugural matriculation ceremony.
The event unfolded on the school grounds, where new students donned their matriculation gowns, surrounded by family and well-wishers.
During the ceremony, the founder of the institute, Dr Christopher Edeh, emphasised the significance of this milestone in the school’s history.
“Today, we gather to formally welcome and induct our pioneering students into the Eastwing Aviation Institute family. This momentous occasion marks the start of an exhilarating journey filled with discovery, growth, and transformation,” Edeh stated.
He praised the matriculating students for choosing the institute as “their gateway to a rewarding career in aviation,” highlighting that they would receive world-class training and facilities within a supportive environment dedicated to excellence.
Edeh urged them to “become ambassadors of Eastwing Aviation Institute, upholding our values of integrity, professionalism, and innovation.”
Recognising the financial burdens associated with studying aeronautics, he called on Nigerians to support the institute’s scholarship scheme, which aims to assist talented individuals lacking the resources to pursue their aviation dreams.
Registrar Nnamdi Hojo noted that while the aviation sector might be understated, it is indeed specialised and requires dedication.
He assured those present that the school boasts state-of-the-art equipment for aviation training and employs seasoned professionals to facilitate the students’ academic and personal growth.
“Our team includes six professors across various fields of aviation, as well as numerous master’s degree holders, ensuring that we provide the highest standard of education for our pioneering students,” he said.
“For those seeking knowledge in aviation, there is no need to study abroad; we offer exceptional education at an affordable rate right here.”
Parent Mrs Chinagorom Wogbo expressed her joy about her son attending the institute, remarking on its uniqueness as ‘the first of its kind in the Southeast.’
She shared how she discovered the institute online, influenced by her son’s strong desire to study aeronautics, prompting her to enrol him at Eastwing after his initial admission to Lagos University.
“We found out about the school through online research because my son was insistent on pursuing aeronautics. We wanted to support him, and after extensive searches, we were thrilled to discover Eastwing Aviation in Enugu,” she recalled.
“I am truly pleased with the school; I never imagined there would be such an institution in the East. It’s simply the best!” Wogbo added.
Student Wisdom Adiele shared his feelings: “I feel special and unique being here, as the lecturers are dedicated to ensuring we understand everything necessary about aircraft.”
He expressed his excitement for the day, stating, “Today is our matriculation day, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Eastwing Aviation Institute is Nigeria’s first privately owned aviation institution, officially approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to admit science students meeting the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut-off marks.
The school is committed to training students in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technology, offering programmes at both National and Higher National levels.
Acknowledging the high costs of aeronautics studies, Eastwing Aviation Institute has launched a subsidiary NGO, the Eastwing Youth Foundation. This foundation seeks funding to support underprivileged children with aspirations in aviation but who face financial challenges.
The institute is appealing to the public for assistance with its scholarship scheme, aimed at enrolling more talented individuals who lack the resources to realise their dreams in aviation.
