The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed support for the Wings of Tomorrow Mentorship Programme aimed at preparing Nigerian students for careers in the aviation and aerospace sectors.

The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, gave the assurance at the grand finale of the programme’s second phase, held in Lagos on Oct. 8, 2026.

Najomo, represented by the Regional Manager, NCAA Lagos Office, Mrs Bukola Teriba, said the authority supported initiatives promoting aviation awareness, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, mentorship and technical competence.

He said such initiatives were important for developing Nigeria’s future aviation workforce and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to participate in the evolving industry.

The programme, themed “Wings of Tomorrow Mentorship Programme for the Development of Future Aviation,” seeks to inspire and guide secondary school students by exposing them to the diverse career opportunities available in aviation and aerospace.

Najomo urged the students to look beyond traditional careers such as piloting and cabin crew services, noting that the industry offered opportunities in aircraft maintenance, air traffic management, aviation safety, airport operations, aviation economics, logistics and aviation regulation.

He also highlighted emerging areas, including artificial intelligence, automation, sustainable aviation fuels, electric propulsion, unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility, as fields that could shape the future of aviation.

The DGCA encouraged the participants to embrace the programme’s message, “Dream. Prepare. Soar,” as they pursued their academic and career aspirations.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, represented by his Senior Adviser on Service Delivery, Mrs Janet Oputa, also urged the students to take advantage of opportunities in the aviation industry and prepare for future demands.

Earlier, the initiator of the programme and Director of Corporate Services at the NCAA, Dr Rebecca Aghadinazzu, said it was deliberately designed to expose students in public schools to the wide range of career opportunities in aviation.

Aghadinazzu noted that the industry required professionals from science, commercial and arts backgrounds, stressing that aviation careers extended beyond technical and operational roles.

She urged the students to dream big, acquire relevant knowledge and take advantage of available training and scholarship opportunities to prepare for their chosen careers.

The second phase of the programme was organised in collaboration with Vonzota Gold Limited, following the successful completion of the first phase in Abuja.

It featured 48 students drawn from selected secondary schools in Lagos, providing them with an opportunity to learn about career pathways in the aviation and aerospace industries.