The Universal School of Aviation (USA) has called on its newly graduated aviation professionals to maintain high industry standards as it celebrated its 14th convocation and awards ceremony in Lagos, graduating over 650 students.

The ceremony, held at the school’s Ikotun headquarters, featured graduands trained in cabin crew operations, flight dispatch, airline ticketing and reservation, travel and tourism management, aviation security, and other aviation-related professional programmes.

Speaking at the event, Director of Studies Eedris Onifade highlighted the school’s growth since its establishment in 2008, noting its transition from management-focused courses to licensed aviation programmes. He said this expansion has strengthened the school’s relevance and impact, with graduates now employed in airlines, airports, and travel organisations both within and outside Nigeria.

Onifade further revealed that regulatory approvals in Sierra Leone and the Republic of Chad have expanded the school’s operations beyond Nigeria. He urged the graduates to uphold safety, professionalism, and integrity, emphasizing that aviation is a responsibility-driven industry requiring strict adherence to standards.

In his keynote address, Omololu Olumuyiwa, Managing Editor of Travelscope Magazine, encouraged graduates to protect the reputation of the institution through discipline and ethical conduct, noting that employers consistently rate USA graduates highly.

Aviation career advocate Joy Ogbebo advised the graduates to embrace resilience, discipline, and continuous learning, viewing rejection as an opportunity for professional growth.

Ugwu Cyril Uchenna, Senior Special Assistant on Tourism for Enugu East Local Government Area, disclosed that the council sponsored 85 students for aviation training, stressing the importance of government investment in youth empowerment and skills acquisition to combat unemployment.

The ceremony also included awards for leadership and diligence, with Anne Ngozi Rosemary named the overall best graduating student. Onifade was inducted into the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) in recognition of his contributions to aviation and tourism manpower development.

Additionally, five staff members were elevated to full membership, and about 110 students were inducted into the student membership category. Lagos State ITPN Chairman Odewale Odeyemi urged new members to uphold professional ethics and promote excellence in the tourism profession.