The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has upgraded its training facilities and secured major international accreditations as part of efforts to reposition the institution as a globally competitive aviation training centre.
The Rector of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, disclosed this during a media briefing with journalists in Zaria, saying the college had undertaken extensive rehabilitation of its infrastructure since the current management assumed office despite persistent funding challenges.
According to him, students’ hostels, classrooms and other critical facilities have been renovated and upgraded to meet international standards, while the institution has also strengthened its academic programmes in line with global best practices.
He said, “We inherited a system that required significant reforms and upgrades. Since coming on board, we have focused on improving our infrastructure and strengthening our academic programmes to align with international best practices.”
Dr. Ismaila further said the improvements had enabled NCAT to retain its Platinum Membership and Centre of Excellence status, while also securing accreditation from the United States-based Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
He added that the college had regained its affiliation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), allowing it to offer internationally recognised IATA-certified courses, and also obtained membership of the National Council for Management Development (NCMD) to run recognised management programmes.
The rector further disclosed that NCAT became eligible for Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) support following its accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), describing the development as a major boost to infrastructure development and manpower training.
He said the college is also pursuing certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which would enable graduates to obtain internationally recognised licences.
“When we achieve EASA certification, our graduates, including pilots and air traffic controllers, will receive dual certification, making them employable across the world without undergoing additional licensing requirements in many countries,” he said.
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, a move expected to enhance pilot training and generate additional revenue.
Speaking on the challenges facing the institute, te rector identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle to the institution’s expansion.
He disclosed that one of the college’s TBM training aircraft is currently grounded because of insufficient funds for maintenance and reactivation.
He also expressed concern over the growing demand for aviation training, noting that NCAT currently admits only about 25 pilot trainees every six months due to limited training capacity.
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