Aptech, a leading technology company, has announced plans to establish an aviation and hospitality academy in Nigeria.
According to the firm, the academy will provide students with standard training in aviation and hospitality basics, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in these industries.
The Regional Head for Africa at Aptech, Neha Koli, according to a statement, announced this at the 16th edition of Aptech’s Career Quest in Lagos.
He stated that the event, held in conjunction with Middlesex University, London, aimed to expose students to opportunities for further education and career advancement.
According to Koli, Aptech’s decision to venture into the aviation and hospitality sector is driven by its relevance to Nigeria’s economy and the numerous opportunities available.
She expressed confidence that the academy would have a positive impact on the economy, providing skilled professionals to meet industry demands.
She declared that the academy would offer a comprehensive curriculum, combining theoretical knowledge with practical training, to ensure students are well-prepared for careers in aviation and hospitality.
According to Koli, with Aptech’s expertise in technology education and Middlesex University’s academic excellence, the academy is poised to become a leading institution in Nigeria’s aviation and hospitality sectors.
She noted, “Because we are launching Aptech Aviation and Hospitality Academy, which will include courses which are with regards to aviation, hospitality, retail and tourism. So, we see there is a lot of opportunity for the service industry, mainly in the fields of hospitality and aviation in Nigeria. And it is one of the biggest economies in Africa and it is the fastest-growing economy in Africa.
“So we believe that there is a lot of scope because there is going to be a lot of new airlines, new aircraft coming in, and new hotels, the hotel industry and the tourism industry coming up. We believe they will, of course, have a lot of scope for employability and everyone expects their student or their child to be employed in a good industry.
“So we train our students in such a way that they will be employable in the four-star, five-star hotels, or the aviation industry.”
According to her, the extensive training will cover ground staff, ticketing, among others.
“We believe that our courses are at such a level that they can get themselves employed in such big industries and good companies. It depends on the course that they select. So the biggest course is the Aptech Certified Professional in Airport Management and Customer Care. That is about a seven-month course that will teach them about aviation as well as hospitality,” she remarked.
Also, the Partnership and Outreach Manager, Middlesex University, Dubai, Rakesh Ram, said the annual event would educate Nigerian students about the opportunities that abound in obtaining a foreign university degree at Middlesex University.
On why Middlesex University is interested in Nigerian Students, Ram said, “I think it is more of a kind of support we are providing to students here in Nigeria. So, we have a partnership with Aptech, who are doing an amazing job here by providing a higher diploma to the students. Aptech has been working closely with Middlesex, London and Dubai to ensure the students have a top-up option.”