The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria has upgraded its training facilities and secured new international accreditations, positioning the institution to reclaim its standing as a globally competitive aviation training centre despite persistent funding constraints.
Rector Dr Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, briefing journalists in Zaria, said the college had undertaken extensive rehabilitation of student hostels, classrooms, and other essential facilities since the current management assumed office, describing the reforms as necessary after inheriting deteriorating infrastructure. NCAT remains Nigeria's only institution offering comprehensive aviation training, with more than 200 courses spanning pilot training, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, and other aviation disciplines. Ismaila said the college retained its Platinum Membership and Centre of Excellence status, secured membership of the National Council for Management Development, and restored its affiliation with the International Air Transport Association, enabling it to run IATA-certified courses.
Nearing Certification of Nigeria's Only B737NG Simulator
Ismaila said NCAT was close to certifying its Boeing 737 Next Generation full-flight simulator — the only one of its kind in Nigeria — for commercial operations, a step expected to enhance pilot training and generate additional revenue for the college. He acknowledged that inadequate funding remained a major obstacle to expansion, noting that one of the institution's TBM training aircraft was currently grounded for lack of maintenance funds.
Capacity Still Falls Short of Demand
The rector said NCAT currently admits only about 25 pilot trainees every six months, a figure he described as inadequate for a country of more than 200 million people, with admissions conducted on a first-come, first-served basis given the limited training slots. He said the reforms carried out since the current administration took over were aimed at restoring NCAT to internationally accepted standards even as the institution continues to navigate funding challenges.
