Zaria: The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, stands as one of the country’s leading aviation schools, committed to training highly skilled professionals for the aviation sector. Since its inception in 1964, NCAT has evolved into the largest Approved Training Organisation (ATO) in Africa, playing a pivotal role in shaping the careers of pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, air traffic controllers, and numerous other aviation experts.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the landscape of aviation training across Africa reveals both advancements and shortfalls. For instance, Ethiopia’s aviation academy produces fewer than 50 pilots annually, while Rwanda’s Akagera Aviation School trains about 20 fixed-wing and 11 helicopter students per intake. These numbers fall short of industry demand, compelling airlines to depend on expatriates. In contrast, India issued over 1,600 commercial pilot licenses in 2023 alone, its highest ever, and estimates it will require at least 1,000 new pilots annually over the next five years. Moreover, Boeing projects that India will need about 30,000 new pilots in two decades, prompting significant investment in flight schools, aircraft fleets, and simulators.
In efforts to address Africa’s manpower shortages, NCAT is setting new standards in training, positioning Nigeria as a hub for aviation excellence on the continent. As an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Centre of Excellence, NCAT serves as a training hub for Nigerian and African pilots, engineers, navigation aid technicians, and other key players in the aviation sector. The college is committed to ensuring training meets global standards and enhances aviation safety.
To achieve these goals, NCAT has consistently upgraded its facilities and curriculum in line with international benchmarks. Strategic plans are underway to procure additional simulators, modern aircraft, and other training kits, which will not only improve service delivery but also attract foreign trainees. This initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on overseas aviation centers, which have long resulted in significant capital flight.
Rector of the college, Dr. Danjuma Ismaila, shared his vision upon assuming office to reposition NCAT. His goal is to maintain the college’s status as the ICAO regional center of excellence and one of Africa’s best in terms of facilities and capabilities. He emphasized the expansion of programs to meet the evolving training needs of the aviation industry in Nigeria and other African countries.
Despite acknowledging NCAT’s success in improving manpower needs in Nigeria and Africa, Dr. Ismaila noted that the college is solely funded by the federal government, leading to financial challenges. Efforts are being made to enhance internally generated revenue to address funding gaps by leveraging available equipment and opportunities in Africa.
Dr. Ismaila highlighted the presence of a Boeing 737Ng Simulator at NCAT, which reduces the country’s capital flight by allowing Nigerian pilots to receive type rating or refresher training locally. The simulator also attracts foreign pilots to train at NCAT Zaria. Additionally, NCAT has an aircraft firefighting simulator for comprehensive training in aircraft fire and rescue scenarios.
While discussing the delay in delivery of additional aircraft for training, Dr. Ismaila attributed it to financial constraints. A contract for the supply of 20 Diamond Aircraft was signed five years ago, but only 50 percent of the aircraft have been received due to funding issues. Despite these challenges, NCAT remains competitive with 10 aircraft, compared to three at a competitor in Ilorin.
Plans are also in place to convert the acquired Zaria Hotel into a four-star hotel to accommodate high-caliber participants and other members of the public. This initiative aims to provide suitable accommodation for international pilots with extensive flying hours.
To expand revenue sources, NCAT plans to extend its runway to accommodate larger commercial aircraft, offering an alternative to Kaduna Airport, which currently has limited flights. The first contract for runway renovation is ongoing and expected to be completed by year-end, with procurement for the extension to follow.
Dr. Ismaila reiterated NCAT’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety through training, emphasizing that adequate training is essential for safety and operational licensing. For Nigeria, aviation experts stress that NCAT’s initiatives in re-fleeting, simulators, hotel conversion, and runway expansion must be supported by policies that facilitate the absorption of graduates into airlines to prevent a paradox of unemployed pilots in a growing aviation market.
