Ime Akpan
Contrary to claims by the labour unions in the aviation industry that the new director of air worthiness standards in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Ita Awak does not possess the prerequisite qualification to hold that position, his profile has proved that he has distinguished himself as a professional aircraft engineer.
According to the profile made available to News Gazette in Lagos, Awak who has since resumed at NCAA attended the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria in 1983 and graduated as a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in 1987.
He worked as Line Engineer, Express Airways, Kaduna from 1987 to 1988; Helicopter Engineer, Bristow Helicopters from 1989 to 1992, Senior Engineer, City-Link Airlines, Port Harcourt, 1992 to 1995 and Deputy Chief Engineer, City Links Airlines, 1995 to 1998.
To deepen his technical and professional competence, Awak successfully completed several specialized aviation training courses in Brazil and the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career as an Aircraft Engineer, the new director of airworthiness standards maintained a track record of professionalism and excellence.
His appointment as director of Air worthiness standards is therefore well-deserved. Given his antecedents as a consummate professional, Awak is poised to effectively discharge his regulatory duties towards strengthening the Nigerian aviation sector and safeguarding the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Born on April 27, 1960 to the family of Chief Okon Henry Awak of Eyofai, Enwang Community in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, he started his primary education in 1965 at Methodist Primary School, Enwang, and finished in 1971 at Zumratul Islammiya Primary School, Araromi Olodi, Apapa, Lagos State where he had his First School Leaving Certificate.
He began his secondary education first at Methodist Secondary School, Ete, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State from 1972 to 1976 and following the cancellation of the WAEC result of the entire school, he proceeded to Sarduana Memorial College, Kawo- Kaduna, Kaduna State where he got Grade One in the West Africa School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) in 1977.
Apart from being an aircraft engineer, Awak who is married with five children is a prolific writer, community builder, and an astute politician.
He has worked tirelessly to deepen democratic values and promote good governance not only in Akwa Ibom State but also in Nigeria.
He served as commissioner for information and culture in Akwa Ibom state from 2002 to 2003.
Until his appointment as a director in NCAA, Awak served as the publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, a position he handled with unparalleled dignity and forthrightness.
