NCAT undergoing turnaround in infrastructural upgrade Rector
…As LAAC commends NCAA, others
The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Dr Danjuma Ismaila, on Monday disclosed that the country’s premier aviation training school is undergoing massive turnaround in its infrastructural upgrade as well as training facilities that will ensure the institution remains topnotch.
He spoke at the opening ceremony of a weeklong training for programme for members of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) where he affirmed that his administration is working round the clock to address the infrastructural deficit that has hitherto limited the college to operate at its optimum.
Meanwhile LAAC Chairman, Mr. Suleiman Idris has commended the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Engr. Farouk Ahmed for their support in sustaining the annual training exercise.
The NCAT Chief Executive Officer disclosed that being Nigeria’s aviation training institute with over 200 courses, the college needs critical infrastructure to match the surge of professionals requiring periodical trainings.
He identified accommodation shortages as one of the critical challenges that hinders NCAT ability to admit more professionals seeking training.
However, Dr Ismaila explained that the construction of a 150-room additional hostel is currently ongoing to help meet the demands.
He said “We have also tried to reposition ourselves in terms of the acquisition of more facilities and equipment so that we can meet all the training needs of many of our clients as at now, many airlines want us to acquire additional flight simulators.
“Most aviation professionals, especially pilots, must undergo simulator training every six months to renew their licenses,”
“We have already acquired the Boeing 737 simulator and are finalising plans to procure the ERJ-145, the second most commonly flown aircraft in Nigeria.”
He affirmed that upon installations; the simulators will reduce the expensive training of personnel incurred by domestic airlines for their personnel overseas.
“So that we can meet their training needs. You are aware that most aviation professionals or pilots, must renew their license every six months, and this has to be done with full flight simulator training.”
The Rector also disclosed saying: ” We are also adopting decarbonisation policy, to reduce dependence on energy sources that are emitting carbon to the environment or to the atmosphere.
“You know, the United Nations is championing decarbonisation, and so the college is also working toward adopting that policy to reduce carbon emissions.
“We may be going for solar, changing our vehicles to CNG to also reduce the carbon emissions.
“So, there are many policies that we are going to adopt that can make us reduce carbon emissions and possibly earn some financial benefit to call it carbon credit.
“So, this is one of our policies that we are going to adopt to change the college’s narratives”.
The Rector thanked the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for annually developing the skill and knowledge base of aviation journalists.
On his part, the Chairman of LAAC, Mr. Idris Suleiman urged NCAT management to continue to design programmes to meet the fast-evolving trends for airlines, aviation agencies and other players in the ecosystem.
According to him, the gathering marks the reaffirmation of collective commitment to excellence, capacity building, and responsible journalism within the aviation sector.
“The role of aviation correspondents, particularly in an evolving industry like ours, cannot be overstated. You are the bridge between the industry and the public, the narrators of our progress, our challenges, and our aspirations.
“This training course is therefore an opportunity to deepen understanding, strengthen professional ethics, and explore new trends in global aviation.
“The global aviation industry has in recent times, witnessed fluctuations and undeniable changes in the level of patronage, expectations and realignments. Airlines and regulatory authorities have had to review business decisions and policies.
“The toughness of the global economy was reflected in aircraft fleet renewals, cancellation of aircraft orders, changes in delivery dates by manufacturers and other effects,” Suleiman said.
According to him, the proposed airport concessions by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development will call for more training in the sector, opening more opportunities for NCAT to harvest the ripe field of training adventures in the industry.
“LAAC therefore wishes to use this forum in the spirit of patriotism, to appeal to the various stakeholders and aviation authorities in the country to sustain their commitment towards the overall development of the sector.
“We live in a time when aviation is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technology, sustainability goals, safety imperatives, and an increasingly interconnected world.
“As such, it is critical that aviation journalists are equipped not only with factual accuracy but also with a nuanced appreciation of the technical and policy frameworks that govern this dynamic industry.”
Suleiman commended the Rector and the management of NCAT for always opening its doors to train journalists, the NCAA for supporting the league and urged members to make the most of the training.
The week-long training brought together aviation journalists and other representatives of aviation agencies.
