Reps Pledge Renewed Support for NCAT as Rector Seeks Budgetary Solution to Funding, Staff Retention

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology, Honourable Tajudeen Kareem Abisodun, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to addressing the challenges confronting the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, during an oversight visit and facility tour of the institution.

The Rector and Chief Executive of NCAT, Dr Danjuma A. Ismaila, led his management team to warmly welcome the committee members.

In his address, Dr Ismaila highlighted the pivotal role NCAT plays in shaping the Nigerian aviation sector, noting that the college continues to produce a significant proportion of the country’s aviation workforce and industry professionals.

He used the occasion to express his appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his unwavering support for the institution, as well as to previous administrations whose efforts have contributed to the college’s progress.

The Rector, however, appealed to the committee to advocate for improved budgetary allocations and funding to enhance the college’s operations.

Dr Ismaila drew attention to the institution’s poor wage structure, describing it as a key factor in the rising attrition rate and the consistent poaching of NCAT-trained professionals by other aviation agencies and private sector operators offering better remuneration packages.

He assured the lawmakers that his administration is fully committed to unlocking the immense potential of the college to benefit both the institution and the wider aviation industry.

In his remarks, Honourable Abisodun lauded the college’s substantial contributions to both the Nigerian and global aviation sectors. He assured the Rector of the committee’s readiness to support the institution in surmounting its pressing challenges.

He also commended Dr Ismaila for his visionary leadership and pledged that the committee would thoroughly review the comprehensive presentation made by the Rector, with a view to identifying key areas for intervention.

The committee members, visibly impressed by the quality of infrastructure and training facilities at the college, expressed optimism about NCAT’s capacity to continue serving as a centre of excellence for aviation training in Africa.

Honourable Abisodun further pledged that the committee would sustain regular engagements with the NCAT management to ensure its evolving needs are effectively addressed.