The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, is steadily positioning itself as a premier aviation training hub not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent and beyond.
In an exclusive interview during the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) training course in Zaria, the Rector and Chief Executive of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, laid bare the college’s bold roadmap for transformation while also spotlighting the systemic challenges hindering its progress.
At the heart of Dr. Ismaila’s agenda is a mission to reposition NCAT as a financially independent, internationally recognized aviation training institution, capable of generating significant foreign exchange for the country.
According to him, NCAT already enjoys global recognition through its adherence to standards set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which are harmonized with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“The aviation industry is global. A license issued here in Nigeria through NCAA standards is on par with what’s issued in the UK or anywhere else, because we are all operating under ICAO standards,” he said.
Ismaila revealed that interest in NCAT training programs is already high across Africa and even in Asia.
With the anticipated commencement of its B737 flight simulator operations, currently awaiting NCAA certification, NCAT could significantly reduce the pressure on Asian and Nigerian pilots who are currently queueing in places like Dubai for similar training.
“Once our flight simulator becomes operational, we expect queues on our own side. This simulator is scarce globally, and we will be attracting more participation especially from Asia,” he noted.
However, despite this bright outlook, NCAT is hampered by a severe lack of infrastructure especially accommodation and classroom facilities which limits its capacity to admit more students.
“It’s not a technical challenge; it’s a structural one. Many of you attending this training are being accommodated outside the campus. That shouldn’t be,” he said.
Some of NCAT’s facilities date back to the 1960s and are in urgent need of upgrades. While efforts are ongoing to modernize classrooms and training equipment, the funding required remains a huge gap.
According to him; this deficit has left even previously acquired assets like the flight simulator purchased over five years ago—unused until recently when he set up a task force to expedite its deployment.
“We are close to finalizing certification. I have engaged NCAA directly and they are coming to begin the process next week.
Hopefully, the simulator will be operational in the next month or two,” he said. The need for continuous investment in infrastructure is not merely cosmetic.
It is essential for attracting international students and aviation professionals, many of whom are drawn to Nigeria’s cost-effective training options, especially compared to countries like the United States.
While training capacity is one half of the equation, NCAT’s inability to retain qualified personnel is another thorny issue.
According to Dr. Ismaila, NCAT staff are currently the lowest paid among all aviation agencies in Nigeria, a fact that has led to a significant talent drain. “We’re losing our best to private airlines and international opportunities because of poor remuneration. It’s one of our biggest setbacks,” he said.
To mitigate this, NCAT plans to introduce training bonds and internal policies that ensure trained personnel serve the institution before moving on.
Additionally, the college is lobbying the Salaries and Wages Commission for a special salary structure, similar to what is in place for the Petroleum Training Institute in the oil sector.
On the issue of flight simulators, the Rector made it clear that NCAT is adopting a demand-driven investment strategy.
Rather than acquiring simulators for every aircraft type, the college is focusing on high-demand models like the B737 and CRJ, which dominate the Nigerian and regional airspace.
“Even Emirates doesn’t have simulators for every aircraft. It’s a business decision. You invest in what’s in demand, not what’s exotic,” he explained.
Ismaila was cautious about making firm projections for 2025, citing the current funding uncertainties.
However, he expressed optimism that once key infrastructure and equipment are in place, NCAT’s revenue and training capacity will scale significantly.
“Until we bridge our funding gap and complete our upgrades, it’s difficult to project. But once we achieve those milestones, we’ll have numbers to show,” he said.
NCAT is at a critical juncture. The vision of becoming a continental aviation training powerhouse is clear, the opportunities are vast, and international interest is rising.
Yet, the challenges most of which are solvable continue to limit progress.
With a focused leadership under Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, strategic investment, and government backing, NCAT can indeed emerge as a beacon of aviation training in Africa, contributing not only to sectoral growth but also to Nigeria’s global stature in civil aviation.
