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Everything began in 2021 when I nursed the idea of building more value for myself in the field of aviation security. In my quest, I came across the MSc Aviation Security programme, an online academic programme offered in collaboration with Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). 

Background

I finally took the leap and started off in January 2022. Since then, I have had an incredible journey studying at BNU online. It was definitely not a walk in the park, as I had to keep a balance between work and school. However, managing these two was made seamless by the entire team of the BNU School of Aviation and Security, who tailored the programme to suit the unique situation of working students like myself.

This equally gave an opportunity for Aviation Security enthusiasts to participate from any part of the world without being obliged to be in the UK in person. The insightful knowledge from industry experts in various aspects of aviation security during this course was very instrumental in giving participants a practical viewpoint of each aspect. This included aviation cyber security, security management systems (SeMS), insider threats, technology in aviation, and business continuity, among others. The programme equally stretched to inculcate a blend of strategic management and communication principles into aviation security management. 

Graduation

Fast forward to July 2023, graduation day, having successfully completed this MSc Aviation Security programme with merit, I was so excited about this achievement and decided to attend the graduation ceremony. It was my first time to the UK, and finding my way to High Wycombe was not easy. I literally almost missed out on the ceremony I came to attend, but for the swift intervention of the incredible graduation ceremony team in place, from those in charge of registration, gowning, and photography to protocol. Everyone made sure I had all the assistance I needed to walk the stage in time. If I were to grade this team, I would give them an A+. The UK is an incredible place to be with very welcoming and hospitable people. Saying I enjoyed my brief stay in the UK and my studies in BNU is an understatement.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to ICAO and her “TRAINAIR PLUS” team, the programme leaders of the MSc Aviation Security programme, as well as the entire BNU staff for this platform, which has been invaluable towards my quest to add value to my professional profile. I’d like to thank especially the course leader, Rania Khbais, who equally doubled as my dissertation supervisor for her unwavering guidance and support. I’d equally like to extend my gratitude for my family and friends for their moral and financial support throughout this period. They all experienced the ramifications of my gloomy days. I am grateful for their role as the support system that provided me with the strength to endure and the motivation to persevere through challenging times.

Advice for potential students

Now I’m set out and fully equipped for more challenging responsibilities in the aviation industry. I strongly recommend anyone who wishes to enhance their knowledge in aviation security, especially professionals with a complex work programme, to enrol on this course and benefit from the expert knowledge of a wide range of experts in various aspects of aviation security involved in the programme.

Whatever domain you may find yourself in, never stop building value for yourself because, as Elin Nordegren said, “Education is one thing no one can take away from you.”

BNU and beyond

Since writing the blog in August, Benard has travelled to South Korea as he has been accepted on the ‘ROK-KAU 2024 Korea’s Fellowship Programme on Global Aviation Policy’ which will result him in achieving his second Masters degree. He represented the Community Action for Advancing Sustainable Development of Cameroon (CAASDEV-Cameroon) at the in South Korea as CAASDEV-Cameroon’s ambassador and member of the Board of Advisors.