NCAT improves facilities and ensures global accreditation of programs

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has upgraded critical infrastructure, achieved major international accreditations and expanded its training capacity.

The institution’s rector, Dr Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, said the move became necessary despite persistent funding challenges.

A statement issued on Monday by media consultant/adviser, Dr Obinna Nwachukwu, said the rector noted this at a press conference in Zaria.

Dr Ismaila said the college had undertaken extensive reforms after inheriting old infrastructure and operational challenges, with the aim of bringing NCAT back to international standards.

According to him, NCAT remains the only institution in Nigeria that offers comprehensive aviation training, with over 200 courses covering pilot training, air traffic control, aeronautical engineering and other aviation-related disciplines.

“We inherited a system that required significant reform and upgrades. Since we came on board, we have focused on improving our infrastructure and strengthening our academic programs to align with international best practices,” he said.

The chancellor said one of the major achievements of the administration was the rehabilitation and improvement of students’ hostels, classrooms and other critical facilities to meet global standards.

He added that the college has maintained its Platinum Member and Center of Excellence status, while securing accreditation from the US-based Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Dr Ismaila further revealed that NCAT has obtained membership of the National Council for Management Development (NCMD), to enable it to offer recognized management programmes.

He said the Institute will reinstate its affiliation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to organize globally recognized IATA certified courses.

He also said the college became a beneficiary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), following its accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He described the development as a major boost to infrastructure development and training.

The rector revealed that NCAT is working towards certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its graduates to obtain internationally recognized licences.

“When we obtain EASA certification, our graduates, including pilots and air traffic controllers, will receive dual certification, making them employable worldwide without undergoing additional licensing requirements in many countries,” he said.

Dr Ismaila also revealed that the college was close to certifying its Boeing 737 Next Generation (B737-NG) full flight simulator, the only one of its kind in Nigeria, for commercial operations.

According to him, the certification will strengthen pilot training within the country while creating an additional revenue stream for the institution.

He revealed that one of the college’s TBM training aircraft is currently grounded due to inadequate funding needed for its maintenance and reactivation.

Dr Ismaila also lamented the growing gap between demand and available training capacity, pointing out that NCAT currently only admits around 25 pilot trainees every six months.

“We can only admit about 25 pilot trainees every six months, which is inadequate for a country of more than 200 million people. The demand is overwhelming,” he said.

He explained that due to limited training hours, admissions were made on a first-come, first-served basis, with available slots allocated to applicants who complete registration first.

The rector highlighted the need for additional training aircraft, expanded facilities and greater investment to enable the college produce more aviation professionals and meet Nigeria’s growing manpower needs.