At one point in time, we have all dreamt of becoming the best versions of ourselves. Right from when we were little, we have had ambitions to become doctors, lawyers, pilots, teachers, and many other reputable professions. From the little I can remember, many of us wanted to be pilots and mentioned this every time we spotted a plane in the sky.
We reminded ourselves how hard we needed to work to become these “Pilots”. However, working alone is not enough as this career is broader than most of us think. Being a pilot does not only require hard work but also requires a lot of funding. The pilots we see and admire today have spent a lot to become what they are.
At the mention of huge funding, many of those who had ambitions to become pilots get discouraged. I believe it is better to know exactly how much it would cost you to become a pilot before you decide to continue with the dream or just drop it along the way. For this article, I will focus on the cost to become a pilot in Nigeria.
Of course, you can go for training anywhere around the world but most people from Nigeria prefer to do theirs in the country because it is considerably “cheaper”. If this is what you also think, then you should read this article on how much it will cost you to become a skilled pilot in Nigeria. Let’s get right into it.
How much does Pilot Training cost in Nigeria?
Of course, before you can become a pilot anywhere, you need to go through training first. If you wish to go through training in Nigeria, then you will need to know how much it would cost you. There are over thirty-five aviation schools in Nigeria, and you can choose any of them to begin your aviation training to become a pilot in the country.
However, the cost of your pilot training in Nigeria will depend on the aviation school you apply to amongst other factors. On average, it would cost you N10 million to get enrolled in an aviation school in Nigeria. Please bear in mind that this is only an average figure as you might find it less or more in some schools.
Are there Scholarships for Pilot Training?
The truth is you’d find a scholarship for anything that has to do with an investment in education. It all depends on whether you are eligible for the scholarship or not. If you are interested in enrolling in an aviation school but have little or no funds, you might want to consider these scholarship programs.
In most cases, these programs are sponsored by airline operators in and outside the country. They invest in your pilot training which might have a duration or extend till the end of your education. Usually, you will be required to work for the airline company after you complete your training for a specified period.
What are the Training Options to become a Pilot in Nigeria?
If you wish to become a pilot and train in Nigeria, there are usually four options for you to choose from. These options include;
- Attending a Flight School
- Enrolling in an Aviation-related College Degree Program
- Joining an Airline Cadet Pilot Program
- Joining the Military
Attending a Flight School
Among the many flight schools in Nigeria that offer pilot training programs, you can choose one. This is one of the four options to become a pilot in the country. However, I recommend that you make a list of your most preferred aviation schools and weigh your options to see which one suits you best.
Although these schools have similar goals, they have different and unique procedures, requirements, and tuition fees. Map out these factors and go for the most befitting one. You must go to an aviation school where you can continue paying its fees in the long run, even without any help.
Enrolling in an Aviation-related College degree training.
Most individuals, prefer to go through flight training while also partaking in a college degree program. This is very common and many pilots today have used a similar option for their training. These programs are known as aviation-related college degree programs. You will be trained to become a pilot alongside your degree program.
With this program, you have the opportunity to earn a college degree alongside a pilot license such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) which is the most common. Pilots with CPL tend to work with commercial airlines and fly planes either locally or internationally.
Joining an Airline Cadet Pilot Program
This is the most common option to become a pilot in Nigeria. If you wish to become an airline pilot, joining an airline cadet pilot program might be the best option for you. These programs are usually sponsored by specific airlines and cadets are guaranteed employment after program completion.
In most cases, the Airline Cadet Pilot Programs are fully sponsored and cadets might not have to pay any amount for enrollment and throughout the program. For this pilot training program, you will obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and work for the specified airline for as long as you wish.
Joining the Military
What about serving your country and at the same time living your dream of being a pilot? That must sound quite interesting! To become a pilot in the Nigerian Military, you will have to join the Air Force and train as a cadet until you become a fully trained Officer. You will also be trained to become a pilot.
In some cases, the Navy trains cadets to become pilots and fly small aircraft across the sea, but this might not be as adventurous as being in the Air Force. After your training, you will have to serve in the Military for a minimum of 12 years before you can be able to exit and apply to commercial airlines.
Finally, if you’re interested in serving your country, you can join the Nigerian Air Force. The Government will sponsor your flight training but you will have to stay with the military for around 12 years after completion before you can apply to commercial airlines. This program is fully sponsored by the government.
What are the requirements to become a Pilot in Nigeria?
Before you can become a pilot in Nigeria, you need to meet certain requirements. These criteria span across age, health, and of course, education. So, now let’s see the requirements to become a pilot in Nigeria.
- You need to be at least 17 years old before you can enroll in any aviation school in Nigeria
- Applicants must also have a minimum of a high school degree with at least 50% in Mathematics and Physics.
What are the Best Aviation Schools in Nigeria?
If you wish to attend any aviation school in Nigeria, it might help to know the best ones around. These institutions are registered with the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) and considered the best places to go through aviation training. They include;
- Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna
- International Aviation College, Kwara
- Universal School of Aviation, Lagos
- Sky Aviation Training Center, Orile, Lagos
- Skywalker Training Center, Ikeja, Lagos
- Falcon Aviation Training School, Lagos
- Lagos Aviation Academy, Lagos
- Continental Aviation School, Abeokuta, Ogun
Before you go…
Another requirement for you to enroll in any aviation school in Nigeria is a medical certificate. Usually, many applicants do not know how to go about this but it is very easy to do so. Speak with your aviation school and they will show you how best you can obtain a medical certificate and might even run the process for you.
Contrary to the opinion of many, you can train as a pilot in Nigeria and still rank as one of the best pilots in the world after your program. However, before you apply to any aviation school in Nigeria, you should ensure that they are registered with the Federal Aviation Association (FAA).