Two years after a widely publicised launch of the Azikel Aviation US Pilot Training Scholarship, which promised to send select Nigerian youths to the United States for top-tier pilot training, two of the program’s most promising candidates have spoken out, saying they were abandoned without explanation—and left financially and emotionally devastated.
The scholarship, unveiled with fanfare in 2023 by the Azikel Group, led by industrialist Dr. Eruani Azibapu, had pledged to sponsor a group of young Nigerians for intensive aviation training in the U.S., aiming to boost indigenous talent in Nigeria’s underdeveloped aviation sector. The initiative was hailed at the time as a patriotic investment in youth empowerment and national capacity building.
But for two of the scholarship’s top beneficiaries—whose names are withheld for their protection—the dream turned into a nightmare.
“We sold our belongings, borrowed from relatives, and quit jobs in preparation,” said one of the candidates in an emotional statement. “We received letters, completed the required documentation, and were told to be ready to travel. Since then, silence.”
The candidates report that after a series of initial meetings, press conferences, and official photoshoots, communication from the program’s organizers ceased. All efforts to get updates or clarification were met with evasiveness or complete unresponsiveness.
“We were led to believe we had been selected for something life-changing,” the second candidate added. “But now it feels like we were used for PR.”
The revelation has sparked widespread concern, especially among civil society advocates and youth groups who accuse the Azikel Group of exploiting the hopes of vulnerable young Nigerians for publicity gains.
“This is a textbook example of corporate irresponsibility,” said Temitope Ayeni, a governance analyst. “Making public promises to empower youths and failing to follow through is not only unethical—it’s psychologically damaging to the individuals involved.”
Attempts to obtain a statement from Azikel Group have so far gone unanswered. Neither Dr. Eruani nor the foundation arm of the company has responded to inquiries regarding the program’s status, disbursed funds, or the fate of the selected candidates.
Observers are now calling on aviation authorities, the Bayelsa State Government, and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to investigate the matter and push for accountability.
Affected individuals and rights advocates are demanding a formal explanation, public apology, and compensation for the emotional and financial losses incurred. There are also calls for the reactivation or repurposing of the program under independent oversight.
“This is bigger than two individuals,” Ayeni added. “It’s about restoring public trust in private-led development initiatives.”