“We are going to sign bonds,” he said. “We are going to sit down with NCAA to ensure that certificates granted to them can only be used for NCAT training purposes—not to give you a certificate and you go and work somewhere else.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Dr. Danjuma Ismailia, has decried the growing aviation training salary disparity affecting the institution’s ability to retain experienced professionals. He revealed that NCAT is working to implement strategic reforms to strengthen its workforce and ensure sustainable talent development.
He spoke during a one week training of Aviation Correspondents sponsored by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA).
“When I came in, one of the challenges I encountered here was that we have many staff leaving the place because of poor pay,” Dr. Ismailia stated. “Right now, we have the lowest paid staff among all aviation agencies. That is affecting our ability to retain our workforce.”
He noted that a significant number of well-trained professionals have exited NCAT for better opportunities in private airlines and other sectors, citing non-competitive salary structures as the primary driver.
In response, the college is developing a robust succession and retention strategy. According to the Rector, part of the plan involves signing bonds with trainees. “We are going to sign bonds,” he said. “We are going to sit down with NCAA to ensure that certificates granted to them can only be used for NCAT training purposes—not to give you a certificate and you go and work somewhere else. You have to stay here and work for us. We can’t spend money training you and then lose you.”
Beyond bonding agreements, NCAT is pursuing systemic salary reforms. Dr. Ismailia disclosed that the college has already opened discussions with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. He emphasized the urgent need for salary parity between NCAT and the wider aviation industry.
“Even yesterday, I talked to the people there, stressing that the college needs to be given special consideration in terms of salary package,” he explained. “This will help close the gaps with the industry.”
Drawing comparisons, he cited how the oil and gas sector resolved similar issues with the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI). “There is not much of a gap between PTI salaries and those in the oil industry,” he said. “That’s why they’ve been able to retain their experts. We too need to be treated in that manner.”
As part of its reform agenda, NCAT plans to focus on internal capacity development to ensure the sustainability of its skilled workforce. By closing the salary gap and offering career stability, the institution hopes to reduce turnover and support the long-term development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Dr. Ismailia’s approach signals a shift toward structured retention planning at NCAT. His advocacy for better pay and policy alignment aims to elevate the institution’s standing and safeguard its role as Nigeria’s premier aviation training centre.
With these strategic moves, NCAT is taking a firm stance to resolve the aviation training salary disparity and secure the future of aviation education and workforce retention in Nigeria.
