By Idris Umar, Zaria The Rector and Chief Executive of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Dr. Danjuma Ad...
The Rector and Chief Executive of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, has called for increased government funding to enable the institution to sustain its international standards and address critical operational challenges.
Speaking with journalists in Zaria to mark his first anniversary in office, Dr. Ismaila described inadequate funding as the greatest challenge confronting the nation's premier aviation training institution.
He said that despite financial constraints, his administration had recorded significant achievements over the past year, including the renovation and upgrading of dilapidated student hostels to provide a more conducive learning environment.
The Rector disclosed that the college had been enlisted to benefit from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention programme, expressing optimism that the intervention would boost infrastructure development, enhance training facilities, and improve academic delivery.
According to him, support from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the National Assembly has enabled the college to maintain internationally recognised standards in aviation training, thereby strengthening its competitiveness at the global level.
Dr. Ismaila noted that NCAT remains Nigeria's only specialised aviation training institution with the strategic responsibility of developing skilled manpower for the country's aviation sector.
He said the institution continues to attract trainees from across Africa, revealing that it currently hosts about 100 participants from various African countries, a development he described as a testament to the college's growing reputation as a regional centre of excellence.
The Rector further disclosed that the college has secured and maintained international accreditation and validation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), while also retaining accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
He explained that since assuming office, his administration has embarked on far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening academic programmes and improving institutional efficiency. He added that the college currently offers about 200 specialised courses covering various aspects of aviation training.
Dr. Ismaila, however, expressed concern over the growing loss of experienced personnel to the private sector, attributing the trend to poor remuneration and inadequate funding.
He warned that unless staff welfare is improved through increased funding, the continued migration of highly skilled professionals could undermine the college's capacity to sustain its leadership in aviation training.
The Rector reaffirmed the management's commitment to transforming NCAT into a world-class aviation training institution and appealed to the Federal Government and other stakeholders to provide the financial support needed to consolidate the gains recorded over the past year.
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