…Modibo emerges NCAT rector as Olateru remains AIB commissioner
From Uche Usim and Chinelo Obogo
President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed the sack of the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) Professor Sani Mashi and announced that Professor Bako Mansur Matazu would be replacing him.
The President also appointed Captain Akali Modibbo as the rector for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) after Mohammed Abdulsalam’s
tenure expired, while the tenure of the Commissioner of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Akin Olateru was renewed for a second term.
A statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, confirmed the appointments, saying they were approved by the president.
“In line with the administration’s commitment to the implementation of the Aviation Development Roadmap, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Professor Bako Mansur Matazu as the new Director-General of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET). He replaces Professor Sani Abubakar Mashi.
“Professor Matazu holds a PhD in Geography (Applied Meteorology), with membership of the Nigerian Environmental Society, African Forestry Forum, Nigerian Meteorological Society, the Climate Change Network, Nigeria and the renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Nigeria (REEN).
He was, until his appointment, the General Manager, Meteorological Research in the Agency.
“Also approved by the President is the appointment of Captain Modibbo Alkali Mahmud as the new Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT) Zaria. The new Rector holds the Airline Transport Pilot Licenses of the Federal Aviation Administration, USA, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Embraer, Citation and other international professional certifications.
“Until his appointment, Captain Modibbo had served in various capacities, including Pilot in Training, Fleet Captain at Dornier Aviation Nigeria, Max Air and other organisations and has clocked about 6000 hours of flying career.
“The President has also approved the reappointment of Akin Olateru as the Commissioner / Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria.
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with Nigerian, UK and USA licenses, Olateru began his career in engineering maintenance with Pan African Airlines and the Nigerian Police Air Wing after which he left Nigeria for further studies abroad.
He has also worked with multiple airlines in Europe including KLM, Martin Air in Holland, British Aerospace Engineering and British Midland Airways. All the appointments are with immediate effect.
“It should be noted that the reorganisation is a continuous exercise that will involve other management staff of all agencies of the Ministry,” Odaudu said.