Nosa Aituamen
An Aviation expert, Captain David Olubadewo, has called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, to reconsider plans to decentralize the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria.
According to him, decentralizing the institution could undermine its status as an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Centre of Excellence and one of the best aviation schools in Africa.
In a chat with newsmen in Lagos, captain Olubadewo emphasized that NCAT is a unique institution that does not require decentralization, but rather elevation to a full-fledged university or affiliation with top American universities specializing in aviation.
Captain Olubadewo, argued that instead of splitting NCAT, the federal government should focus on creating new aviation schools across different geopolitical zones of Nigeria to make aviation education more accessible to diverse backgrounds and tribes.
The aviation expert who is also the CEO of Starburst Aviation, noted that Nigeria’s vast population and limited aviation schools necessitate the creation of more institutions to cater to the growing demand for aviation professionals.
He proposed establishing four new aviation schools, one in each of the South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East regions, to provide opportunities for aspiring pilots, engineers, and other aviation professionals.
Captain Olubadewo expressed concerns about the costs and sustainability of decentralizing NCAT, suggesting that future ministers might reverse the decision, deeming it a waste of resources.
He also advocated monetizing NCAT’s activities and compelling government aviation and allied establishments to train personnel locally rather than abroad.
The expert’s position comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s announcement in December 2024 to split NCAT into six campuses, a move that has sparked debate within the aviation community.
He warned that such a move could undermine NCAT’s excellence and instead championed creating new aviation schools and programmes as a more impactful legacy.
By reconsidering the decentralization plans and focusing on creating new aviation schools, Captain Olubadewo believes that the Aviation Minister and the President can leave a lasting legacy that promotes equal access to aviation education, regardless of socioeconomic status.