Nosa Aituamen
The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Dr. Danjuma Ismaila, has outlined plans to reposition the college to meet the growing demands of the aviation industry.
Speaking during the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents, LAAC, Course in Zaria, the Rector identified a huge gap in training areas, particularly in meeting the needs of aviation professionals.
Dr. Ismaila noted that the college currently offers over 200 types of programs but faces challenges due to a shortage of critical infrastructure, including accommodation.
This has resulted in some trainees being accommodated in external hotels.
However, the Rector said, the college has started constructing additional hostels to increase its capacity and accommodate more trainees.
“Many of our trainees are currently lodged in hotels outside the campus. That’s not ideal. We’re now constructing a 120-room hostel block to help increase our on-campus capacity”.
To address the training needs of aviation professionals, he said, the college plans to expand its programs and acquire more facilities and equipment.
This includes the recent acquisition of a flight simulator, with plans to acquire another 737 crew flight simulator and an ER-145 aircraft simulator.
“Pilots need to renew their licenses every six months, and simulator training is a core part of that process. With these simulators, we aim to meet the growing needs of local and international airlines”.
The Rector also announced plans to adopt the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) decarbonization policy, aimed at reducing dependence on unsustainable energy and minimizing carbon emissions.
This includes possibly changing the college’s vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and exploring carbon credit opportunities.
Dr. Ismaila also called on the media to help publicize the college’s activities, citing a lack of reporting on its achievements.
He highlighted a recent success story, where the college trained 23 air traffic controllers from French-speaking countries in aviation English.
The Rector assured that the college is committed to transparency and accountability, urging the media to report on both the successes and challenges faced by the institution.