By Hassan Ibrahim
The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Dr. Danjuma Isah, says the institution has embarked on major reforms to position Nigeria as a leading aviation training hub in Africa, despite challenges of inadequate funding, limited training facilities and shortage of skilled personnel.
Speaking during a media chat in Zaria, Dr. Isah said NCAT remains Nigeria's only institution providing comprehensive aviation training, offering more than 200 courses covering pilot training, air traffic control, aircraft engineering and other aviation specialties.
He said the college has renovated dilapidated hostels and classrooms to international standards while strengthening partnerships with global aviation organisations.
According to the Rector, NCAT has retained its International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Platinum Centre of Excellence status, regained full membership of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), secured accreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) in the United States, and obtained recognition from the National Council for Management Development.
He added that the college has also become a beneficiary of TETFund intervention, enabling it to upgrade critical infrastructure and improve training facilities.
Dr. Isah disclosed that the college is working towards obtaining international certification that will allow its graduates, particularly pilots and air traffic controllers, to earn globally recognised licences that can qualify them for employment in any part of the world.
Despite these achievements, the Rector identified inadequate funding as the institution's biggest challenge, noting that several critical facilities, including a training aircraft, remain grounded due to lack of resources.
He explained that NCAT's pilot training capacity is constrained by limited aircraft and hostel accommodation, allowing the college to admit only about 25 pilot trainees every six months, despite overwhelming demand from across the country.
Dr. Isah also expressed concern over the growing migration of experienced instructors and pilots from the college to the aviation industry because of better remuneration.
He said the management is working with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to review staff salaries and improve conditions of service in order to retain qualified professionals.
To address funding challenges, the Rector said the college is exploring Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), expanding its programmes to additional locations, attracting more international students and maximising TETFund and other intervention funds.
He noted that NCAT has already begun receiving trainees from countries including Niger, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and South Africa, generating foreign exchange while reducing capital flight by providing world-class aviation training within Nigeria.
On the Federal Government's expansion plans, Dr. Isah said NCAT campuses will be established across the six geopolitical zones, while the college is also planning permanent campuses in Abuja and Lagos.
He said the expansion will increase training capacity, boost internally generated revenue and make aviation education more accessible nationwide.
The Rector commended the Federal Government for its continued support to the institution, particularly in funding major projects, maintaining aviation equipment and implementing plans to extend the runway for commercial operations, which he said will further strengthen NCAT's role in developing Nigeria's aviation sector.
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