A leading aviation expert, Captain David Olubadewo, CEO of Starburst Aviation, UK, has appealed to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, to reconsider plans to decentralize the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria.
Captain Olubadewo, who has observed aviation training institutions internationally, emphasizes that NCAT is a unique institution and one of the best aviation schools in Africa, having achieved the status of an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Centre of Excellence.
He argues that decentralizing NCAT would be ill-advised, instead suggesting that the federal government should elevate the school to a full-fledged university or affiliate it with top American universities specializing in aviation.
This, he believes, would further strengthen NCAT’s position as a regional centre of excellence.
Captain Olubadewo, also proposes establishing four new aviation schools across different geopolitical zones in Nigeria to make aviation education accessible to diverse backgrounds and tribes, regardless of financial constraints.
The expert expresses concerns about the costs and sustainability of decentralizing NCAT, predicting that future ministers might reverse the decision, deeming it a waste of resources.
He advocates monetizing NCAT’s activities and compelling government aviation and allied establishments to train personnel locally rather than abroad.
The expert also stresses the importance of creating opportunities for aspiring pilots and engineers, regardless of socioeconomic status, citing his own father’s journey into aviation as an example.
The debate over decentralizing NCAT was sparked by President Bola Tinubu’s announcement in December 2024 to split the school into six campuses.
Captain Olubadewo warns that such a move could undermine NCAT’s excellence and instead champions creating new aviation schools and programs as a more impactful legacy.
He urges the federal government to partner with the International Aviation College (IAC) in Ilorin to expand its capacity, highlighting the need for more aviation education opportunities in Nigeria.
