Kebbi pilot trainee abandons aviation dream, takes up Okada riding

A young man from Kebbi State who began training to become a pilot has turned to commercial motorcycle riding after financial difficulties forced him to abandon his aviation programme.

Abdullahi Abubakar, from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, enrolled at the International Aviation College, Ilorin, in 2018 with hopes of building a career in aviation.

According to his account, the Kebbi State Government initially sponsored part of his training with about N2 million, allowing him to complete a year of instruction and obtain a Private Pilot Licence.

Abdullahi also said he performed well in his ground-school examinations and passed the required examinations conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

His training, however, stalled when he reached the circuit and landing stage, after the sponsorship reportedly stopped.

He said he needed about N1.8 million to continue the programme but was unable to raise the funds.

Since 2019, Abdullahi said he had repeatedly approached the Kebbi State Scholarship Board seeking assistance to complete his training, but the support had not materialised.

With his aviation career put on hold and the need to support himself, he eventually returned to Kebbi and began working as a commercial motorcycle rider.

His experience illustrates the challenges faced by young Nigerians whose professional training is interrupted when funding runs out, even after they have already completed significant stages of their programmes.

Abdullahi is now appealing for assistance from the Kebbi State Government, philanthropists and other individuals or organisations that could help him return to flight training and complete the requirements for a professional aviation career.

His journey from aviation training to commercial motorcycle riding has drawn attention to the financial hurdles that can derail the ambitions of young people seeking specialised professional careers.