This move is not just about space; it’s about fostering unity, ensuring balanced development, and meeting global standards for aviation excellence.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Festus Keyamo has emphasized the need for the decentralization of NCAT Zaria to address capacity issues and expand access to aviation training across Nigeria. Established in 1964, the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria has been a cornerstone of the nation’s aviation sector, producing most of its pilots and earning global recognition. However, the rising demand for aviation training has overwhelmed the college’s facilities, making decentralization a practical and necessary solution.
According to Keyamo, the growing student population has outstripped NCAT Zaria’s capacity, forcing the acquisition of the Zaria Hotel as an annex. He explained, “Right now, we are having a problem of space in Zaria. To address this, we had to purchase the Zaria Hotel, which now serves as an annex for the college.” While acknowledging the immediate benefits of this solution, he stressed its limitations. “We cannot continue to buy houses and hotels within Zaria to accommodate the growing population. The decentralization of NCAT Zaria is the way forward to ensure equitable access to training facilities.”
Keyamo drew comparisons to the Nigerian Law School, which expanded beyond Lagos to multiple campuses nationwide. “The law school was established around the same time as NCAT, but it has grown beyond Lagos, with campuses across the country. This has provided easy access to legal education for Nigerians nationwide,” he stated. He argued that the decentralization of NCAT Zaria would similarly create opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals from underserved regions.
Keyamo also underscored the importance of decentralization in fostering national development. “Why not give other parts of this country the opportunity to also have access to these campuses?” he asked. “It is one country, and every region deserves quality training facilities.” He praised the federal government’s success in extending educational and professional institutions to different regions, adding, “Other parts of the country that now host training facilities have expressed gratitude to the federal government for these opportunities.”
In conclusion, Festus Keyamo advocates for the decentralization of NCAT Zaria to address capacity challenges and meet the growing demand for aviation education. “This move is not just about space; it’s about fostering unity, ensuring balanced development, and meeting global standards for aviation excellence,” he stated. Decentralizing NCAT would promote equitable access to education, strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector, and enhance its reputation as a leader in aviation training across Africa.
