NIGERIA – Dr Danjuma Ismaila, the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has promised to address an infrastructural deficit limiting the institution’s full potential.

 

 

 

Ismaila made the remarks during his address to welcome members of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Zaria.

 

 

According to him, as the main aviation training institute in the country offering over 200 courses, the college lacks critical infrastructure to match the surge of professionals requiring periodical trainings.

 

 

 

He identified accommodation shortages hindering the college’s ability to admit more professionals seeking training.

 

 

 

According to Ismaila, to mitigate this shortfall, the construction of a 150 room additional hostel is currently ongoing and to be completed soon to accommodate more persons.

 

 

 

 

“We have also tried to reposition ourselves in terms of the acquisition of more facilities and equipment so that we can meet all the training needs of many of our clients as at now, many airlines want us to acquire additional flight simulators.

 

 

 

 

 

“So that we can meet their training needs. You are aware that most aviation professionals or pilots, must renew their license every six months, and this has to be done with full flight simulator training.”

 

 

 

The rector affirmed that the college’s management was concluding plans to acquire an additional Boeing 737 flight simulation facility to boost the recurrence training of pilots in the country.

 

 

 

He said with more facilities, there could be reduction of aviation personnel travelling overseas for training.

 

 

 

Speaking of sustainable energy, he said: ” We are also adopting decarbonisation policy, to reduce dependence on energy sources that are emitting carbon to the environment or to the atmosphere.

 

 

 

“You know, the United Nations is championing decarbonisation, and so the college is also working toward adopting that policy to reduce carbon emissions.

 

 

 

“We may be going for solar, changing our vehicles to CNG to also reduce the carbon emissions.

 

 

 

“So there are many policies that we are going to adopt that can make us reduce carbon emissions and possibly earn some financial benefit to call it carbon credit.

 

 

 

“So, this is one of our policies that we are going to adopt to change the college’s narratives”.

 

 

 

He said that NCAT is embarking on an aggressive carbon emission programme in line the directives rolled out by global aviation regulatory body: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

 

 

 

The Rector thanked the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for annually developing the skill and knowledge base of aviation journalists.

 

 

 

On his part, the Chairman of LAAC, Mr Idris Suleiman urged NCAT management to continue to design programmes to meet the fast evolving trends for airlines, aviation agencies and other players in the ecosystem.

 

 

 

According to him, the gathering marks the reaffirmation of collective commitment to excellence, capacity building, and responsible journalism within the aviation sector.

 

 

 

“The role of aviation correspondents, particularly in an evolving industry like ours, cannot be overstated. You are the bridge between the industry and the public, the narrators of our progress, our challenges, and our aspirations.

 

 

 

“This training course is therefore an opportunity to deepen understanding, strengthen professional ethics, and explore new trends in global aviation.

 

 

 

“The global aviation industry has in recent times, witnessed fluctuations and undeniable changes in the level of patronage, expectations and realignments. Airlines and regulatory authorities have had to review business decisions and policies.

 

 

 

“The toughness of the global economy was reflected in aircraft fleet renewals, cancellation of aircraft orders, changes in delivery dates by manufacturers and other effects,” Suleiman said.

 

 

According to him, the proposed airport concessions by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development will call for more training in the sector, opening more opportunities for NCAT to harvest the ripe field of training adventures in the industry.

 

 

 

“LAAC therefore wishes to use this forum in the spirit of patriotism, to appeal to the various stakeholders and aviation authorities in the country to sustain their commitment towards the overall development of the sector.

 

 

 

“We live in a time when aviation is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technology, sustainability goals, safety imperatives, and an increasingly interconnected world.

 

 

 

“As such, it is critical that aviation journalists are equipped not only with factual accuracy but also with a nuanced appreciation of the technical and policy frameworks that govern this dynamic industry.”

 

 

 

Suleiman commended the Rector and the management of NCAT for always opening its doors to train journalists, the NCAA for supporting the league and urged members to make the most of the training.

 

 

 

The week-long training brought together aviation journalists and other representatives of aviation agencies.