NCAT Partners South Sudan on Aviation Capacity Development

BY ANTHONY OMOH

The Rector and Chief Executive of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Dr. Danjuma Ismaila, has received the Director General of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, Hon. John Woja Eliana, who led a delegation of aviation officials to NCAT’s Zaria campus.

The visit followed a directive by South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, aimed at developing skilled manpower for the country’s aviation sector. The mission sought to establish a NCAT South Sudan partnership to bridge the human capital gap in South Sudan’s growing air transport industry.

The visiting delegation, which comprised top technical and administrative personnel, toured NCAT’s facilities to assess training and capacity offerings. They were shown the institution’s modern hangars, aircraft fleet, air traffic control tower, and advanced simulators.

The team was visibly impressed by the scale and sophistication of NCAT’s infrastructure and the range of training programs offered. They also commended the professionalism of the instructors and the institution’s overall learning environment.

While addressing the delegation, Hon. John Woja Eliana said South Sudan had recognized NCAT as a strategic ally in its development plans. He praised Nigeria’s aviation sector and emphasized the need for his country to benefit from structured and proven training systems.

“The directive from His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, is clear,” Eliana noted. “We must align with credible institutions, and NCAT clearly stands out. We are happy with what we’ve seen.”

In response, Dr. Danjuma A. Ismaila expressed appreciation for the interest shown in the institution. He reaffirmed NCAT’s commitment to advancing aviation training across Africa and welcomed the opportunity to support South Sudan’s aviation growth.

“NCAT is a regional center of excellence for Africa with Platinum Status by the International Civil Aviation Organisation,” Dr. Ismaila said. “We’re ready to meet your training needs with our robust resources and certified programs.”

“Our training will offer them competency required to launch their Civil Aviation sector for connectivity and expertise that support the country’s potential in tourism development.”

The South Sudan team reviewed detailed training packages, including courses in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, aviation management, and flight dispatch. However, the South Sudanese team requested certain specific training to be conducted in Juba

Based on identified skill gaps, the parties agreed on specific programs best suited to South Sudan’s current needs. Following successful deliberations, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate structured training engagements.

The agreement also includes technical support, personnel exchange, and continued collaboration for broader aviation education objectives. The NCAT South Sudan partnership is expected to yield long-term benefits for both nations. 

As the visit ended, both delegations expressed optimism about the future, stressing that improved training would enhance safety, operational efficiency, and professional standards in South Sudan’s aviation space.

NCAT’s growing role in regional aviation development was further underscored by the partnership, which adds to its history of providing training to several African nations.