The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Bernard Bankole, has stated that the Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) was established with the primary goal of impacting lives, not generating profit. He made this known during a job fair organized by the company in Lagos to commemorate its ninth anniversary. According to Bankole, the institution was created to offer specialized aviation training and career opportunities for young Nigerians who are seeking direction after completing their studies.
Over 5,000 Graduates in Nine Years
Bankole revealed that over the past nine years, LAA has graduated more than 5,000 students. Many of these graduates are now employed across various airlines, travel agencies, and other aviation-related organizations. He emphasized that the academy's success should not be judged solely by return on investment, as its core mission is to empower individuals and create pathways for career advancement.
Job Fair Instead of Anniversary Party
Instead of organizing a lavish anniversary celebration, the academy chose to host its inaugural Job Fair under the theme 'Connecting Talents to Opportunities.' Bankole explained that this event allowed students and alumni to engage directly with potential employers and industry professionals. He said, 'We felt it was better to create opportunities for our students than organize a party. This is in line with our mission of impacting lives.'
Despite the achievements, Bankole expressed that he is not yet satisfied with the academy's reach, considering Nigeria's population of over 230 million. He expressed hope that more individuals and organizations would adopt similar initiatives to expand opportunities for the youth.
Academic Excellence Recognized
The Head of School, Bolaji Durojaiye, noted that LAA has maintained a strong record of academic excellence, achieving over 75 percent success in international examinations. He added that the academy produced the best results in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Foundation Programme for several years and was recognized as 'Aviation School of the Year in 2025.'
