Members of the House of Representatives have voiced concern about the ongoing loss of qualified instructors from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, to other aviation agencies and private companies.
This concern came up during a recent oversight visit to NCAT by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, chaired by Tajudeen Abisodun. The lawmakers blamed the situation on the institution’s inability to offer salaries that are competitive with those in the broader aviation sector. As part of their visit, the committee toured NCAT’s facilities and met with its management to discuss various challenges the school faces.
Abisodun noted that NCAT, founded in 1964, is still considered the leading aviation training school on the African continent and has played a crucial role in building aviation expertise across the region. Nonetheless, the ongoing exodus of skilled instructors is damaging its long-held reputation.
“This college is experiencing a brain drain, with highly qualified instructors being poached by sister agencies and private aviation companies who offer them far better wages. When we invest in training instructors only to lose them due to low wages, we undermine our national aviation sector. This pattern cannot continue if we aim to maintain our leadership position in aviation training,” Abisodun said.
NCAT’s rector, Danjuma Ismaila, confirmed the committee’s observations as he discussed the school’s successes and ongoing difficulties. He pointed out that although financial support has been limited, NCAT still manages to produce a significant number of aviation professionals who serve in key roles throughout the nation’s aviation industry, including air traffic controllers and maintenance engineers.
“Our graduates form the backbone of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Despite our challenges, we maintain rigorous standards that meet international requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation,” the rector said.
He also thanked the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as well as past leadership, for the assistance given to the school, which has helped keep its training operations going despite funding limitations. He stressed that urgent solutions are needed to solve NCAT’s financial problems.
Responding to the matters raised, Abisodun assured that the committee is fully committed to resolving the school’s critical issues. “We will carefully analyse the presentation provided by the rector and identify priority areas for immediate intervention.”
While examining the facilities, the committee visited NCAT’s training simulators, aircraft hangars, and classrooms. Abisodun underlined the essential role NCAT plays in Nigeria’s aviation landscape, stating, “Aviation is a critical enabler of economic growth, and NCAT plays an indispensable role in ensuring we have the technical expertise required to support industry expansion.”
