BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria, Kaduna State, has once again received international acclaim.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have recently recertified the college, recognising its adherence to global aviation standards.
Acting Rector Joseph Shaka Imalighwe expressed immense pride in the achievement, highlighting the college’s commitment to modernising its training methodologies.
He emphasised the shift from traditional classroom-based learning to a more digital and interactive approach.
NCAT, he noted, is actively collaborating with other renowned training institutions and universities to enhance its curriculum and provide world-class aviation education.
To sustain this momentum and realise its ambitious goals, the Acting Rector urged the federal government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, to significantly increase funding for the college.
As an ICAO TrainAir Plus Training Centre of Excellence, NCAT requires substantial resources to continually improve its facilities, infrastructure, and training programs.
One of the major milestones achieved by NCAT is the establishment of the Airport Emergency Training (AET) School.
The ultramodern facility offers a comprehensive range of courses, including initial firefighter training, advanced firefighting techniques, and airport emergency procedures.
Imalighwe acknowledged the challenges faced by the college, including inadequate training facilities, high operational costs, and a shortage of specialized instructors.
Despite these hurdles, he maintained that NCAT has made remarkable progress in recent years, forging strategic partnerships with organizations like the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU).
To address the pressing need for modern training equipment, the college is actively working to restore its Boeing 737 simulator to full operational capacity.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has taken decisive steps to expedite this process by dispatching a team of experts to assess and repair the simulator.
The Acting Rector also begged for increased government funding to support critical capital projects, such as the construction of new lecture halls, offices, meeting rooms, and hostels.
Additionally, he emphasised the need for advanced training equipment, including computers and a dedicated fire tender for the AET School.
Imalighwe expressed gratitude to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for his unwavering support and cooperation.
He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the college’s dedicated staff, whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental in achieving these significant milestones.
According to him, with the renewed focus on innovation, collaboration, and infrastructure development, the school is set to solidify its position as a leading aviation training institution in Africa and beyond.
