BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
To enhance aviation capacity across Africa, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has entered into a strategic partnership with the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA), following a visit by a South Sudanese delegation.
The delegation, led by Hon. John Woja Eliana, Director General of SSCAA, was received by the Rector and Chief Executive of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma A. Ismaila, at the college’s main campus.
The visit was made under the directive of President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, with the goal of formalizing collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will enable NCAT to provide training and technical expertise to support South Sudan’s growing aviation sector.
During the visit, the delegation embarked on a comprehensive tour of NCAT’s world-class facilities, and were visibly impressed by the modern training infrastructure, depth of aviation programs, and the professionalism of the instructional team.
Dr. Ismaila expressed appreciation for the interest shown in NCAT’s offerings, noting that the institution’s programs are internationally recognized.
“Our training will offer them the competency required to launch their civil aviation sector for connectivity and expertise that support the country’s potential in tourism development,” he said.
He further emphasized NCAT’s prestigious status as an ICAO-certified Regional Training Centre of Excellence with Platinum Status, underscoring the college’s readiness to support both technical and managerial training needs of the South Sudanese aviation workforce.
The South Sudan delegation received detailed briefings on NCAT’s long- and short-term training options, particularly in areas aligned with South Sudan’s capacity development goals.
While confirming their eagerness to commence training programs in Nigeria, the SSCAA also requested that certain customized modules be delivered onsite in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to ensure wider access for their personnel.
The engagement concluded with the signing of an MoU between both parties, setting the stage for the implementation of a collaborative training framework that aims to build a skilled aviation workforce for South Sudan and deepen regional cooperation in aviation development.