The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria, Kaduna State, has appealed to the government for additional equipment and improved funding to harness its potential in the provision of the manpower needs of the aviation sector in the region.

Rector, NCAT Zaria, Dr Danjuma Ismail, made the appeal in an interview on Sunday in Zaria.

He said the college was poised to become an aviation training hub and a one stop-solution for aviation industry training in Nigeria and beyond.

He stated, “Currently, the college is in partnership with some African countries such as Kenya, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia among other African countries. Last month, the Civil Aviation Authority of South Sudan visited the college where we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with them on training. We have trainees from Egypt who spent almost six weeks on training and two months ago, trainees from French speaking countries were at the college for different training.’’

He, however, added that none of the countries had an aviation college that was as big as NCAT in terms of programmes and infrastructure.

Mr Ismail said, “In spite of these, NCAT is also lacking in some other respects, notwithstanding, our courses are meeting the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. However, upon assumption of office, I realised that the college has potential to make more impacts in the region’s aviation industry.”

According to the rector, this shaped his decision to reposition the college in terms of infrastructure, manpower, additional programmes and equipment towards achieving these goals.

Acknowledging the monumental successes of the college in bolstering the manpower needs of the aviation industry in Nigeria and Africa, the rector stated that it was solely funded by the Federal Government.

Mr Ismail added, “As such, it encounters hitches in meeting its funding needs,’ stressing that challenge was not peculiar to the college alone as there were other competing demands to be addressed by the government.

He said the college was innovating means to enhance its internally generated revenue to address the funding gaps.

“If we can provide additional equipment and facilities, the college can be self-sufficient in terms of funding,’’ he said.

The rector said the college had a Boeing 737 Simulator, which reduces the country’s capital flight, adding that, “Nigerian pilots do not have to travel abroad to renew their licences or other forms of further training.”

Mr Ismail added that foreign pilots used to come to NCAT Zaria to train using the Boeing 737 Simulator.

He added, “If we acquire additional simulators for all aircraft, the college will be self-sustaining and it will be the first in Africa to meet the major needs of the aviation industry.’’

(NAN)