Shaka Imalighwe, the acting Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, has revealed that the institute does not have a single helicopter for training purposes.
Mr Imalighwe made the revelation on Thursday during an investigation into the sale of the two aircraft in Abuja.
Mr Imalighwe informed the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets that he took over the college’s management in an acting capacity in January 2024.
According to him, despite being the college’s Deputy Rector at the time the helicopters were sold, he was not a member of the team/committee that facilitated the sale.
Rep. Ademorin Kuye, Chairman of the Committee, voiced concern about the sale of the two helicopters to private individuals while the college was left without a helicopter for training.
The committee also questioned the process that led to the sale of the helicopters, as security forces such as the Nigerian Air Force, Navy, and Police expressed interest in purchasing them.
However, the NCAT’s management refuted the security agencies’ claims.
According to numerous submissions, the three security services expressed an interest in purchasing the helicopters not only in writing, but also by visiting the college, but were refused the opportunity to do so.
As a result, the committee directed that the immediate past and current Ministers of Aviation appear before it at the next investigation session.
Also summoned was the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI, both immediate past and present Rectors of the College, among others.