Stella Oduah Removed Me as NCAT Rector – Capt. Kalu

Former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, Captain Chinyere Kalu, has said that the circumstances surrounding her removal from office were more than meets the eye, noting that it was laced with political undertones.
Capt. Kalu, Nigeria’s first female commercial pilot, was removed in March 2014 in controversial circumstances along with some heads of Federal Government agencies. The manner of the removal “left questions,” according to the former NCAT Rector.
Speaking to Daily Times, she said, “I was given the Centenary Award on the 28th of February and on the 4th of March the Nigerian Television Authority announced my removal.”
The former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, was fingered in the controversial sack by the pioneering pilot, who disclosed that she tried and failed to get along with the former minister. “The truth of the matter is that I desired and tried to work hand in hand with her, but it takes two to tango. I didn’t get the best of cooperation from her.
“I had a difficult relationship with the Minister because we have different values and different personalities. She is a politician and I am a technocrat.”
Pointing to her achievements while at the helm at the NCAT, Capt Kalu insisted that, “It is not possible to say that I was found wanting. From improvement in the delivery of training in the College to Infrastructure development, I proved myself.
“I really don’t know how and why I was removed. It was unfortunate. As the time, I was not accused of anything, to state the reasons and why that was done. It is also worthy of note that the corruption that rocked the ministry under her leadership had nothing to do with the College or with me as a person.”
Capt. Kalu defended her record at the NCAT, saying, “We had bright ideas on where to take the industry, as a technocrat and long term player in the industry. Our accomplishments are there for anyone who cares to investigate.
She further noted that, “Brilliant innovation do not always attract commensurate appreciation in many settings.
Capt. Kalu insisted that she did not allow herself to be discouraged by perceived persecution at the hands of Oduah, now a senator.
Speaking of her time at the College she said, “It was a great opportunity for me to make a difference.”
She also expressed optimism about the industry, stating that, “We still have what it takes to reposition the Aviation industry and turn Nigeria into Africa’s number one air hub. In so doing, we can earn this country incredible revenue and create hundreds of thousands of jobs for our young people and professionals across our nation and the sub-region.”