Sofema partners Eastwing Aviation Institute to expand EASA-compliant training for Nigerians

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS), an international aviation training and consultancy firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with Eastwing Aviation Institute (EAI), Emene, Enugu, to expand the Sofema Bursary Programme and enhance aviation training opportunities in Nigeria.

Under the collaboration, more than 525 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-compliant aviation programmes will be made available to Nigerian students and industry professionals.

Christian Agadibe, executive director of the Eastwing Youth Foundation, disclosed the development in Enugu recently. He explained that SAS, a Bulgaria-based company established in 2008, specialises in regulatory and vocational training for the global aviation industry.

Agadibe noted that the partnership was driven by the success of the Southeast Aviation Summit and Eastwing Youth Competition, which highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in aviation education and technical skill development across Africa.

He said the initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation capacity by providing access to internationally recognised, high-level training for students, instructors, and professionals.

According to him, EAI will collaborate with SAS and Sofema Online (SOL) to deliver a wide range of specialised online courses designed to meet EASA standards.

“These programmes cover key industry areas such as Safety Management Systems (SMS), Continuing Airworthiness (CAMO), aviation quality assurance, maintenance planning and compliance, as well as leadership and management in aviation,” Agadibe said.

He added that the partnership seeks to bridge the competency gap in the sector, ensuring that Nigerian aviation professionals are equipped with globally aligned skills required in a highly regulated international environment.

Steve Bentley, chief executive officer of SAS, described the collaboration as more than a training agreement, calling it “an investment in the future of African aviation safety and professionalism.”

“At Sofema, our mission has always been to democratise access to world-class regulatory training and by partnering with the Eastwing Youth Foundation, we are empowering the next generation of African aviation leaders with the tools to excel within an EASA-compliant environment,” he said.

Bentley also announced a $10,000 training bursary to support the initiative, noting that it would help remove financial barriers and promote professional excellence and industry safety.

He further stated that since its inception, SAS has partnered with over 3,500 aviation organisations worldwide, issued more than 700,000 certificates, and developed a library of over 400 technical and regulatory courses.

Edeh Christopher, founder of the Eastwing Youth Foundation, described the partnership as a transformative milestone.

He said the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between local training standards and global aviation requirements, while creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for the industry.

The partnership is expected to significantly boost aviation education and professional development in Nigeria and across the African continent.