In this interview, Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Dr. Danjuma Ismailia, discusses the college’s transformation agenda, simulator strategy, and capacity-building efforts. ANTHONY OMOH, NigerianFLIGHTDECK’s Managing Editor, was part of the interview team, and excerpts are shared here.
Q: What are the major challenges NCAT is facing as it experiences rising enrolment and international interest?
One of the core challenges we are tackling is infrastructure, particularly accommodation. The mandate I was given is clear: reposition NCAT to be financially independent, enhance revenue, and expand our impact across Nigeria and the African continent. The college has the capacity to meet the aviation training needs of the region and beyond.
Aviation is a global industry guided by ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Any training certified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) holds equal value as those certified by bodies like the UK CAA. This alignment gives us the opportunity to attract trainees from all over the world.
For instance, when we begin full operations on our Boeing 737 full flight simulator, we expect increased enrolment from countries like India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Presently, pilots from these countries are waiting in Dubai for simulator slots. Once ours is active, it will serve not just Nigeria but the entire region, generating foreign exchange for the country.
Q: How is the college addressing infrastructure shortfalls, especially accommodation and classroom capacity?
Accommodation remains a serious bottleneck. Some of our trainees must be housed off-campus, which is far from ideal. Unfortunately, past administrations didn’t prioritize critical infrastructure. However, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and I are working tirelessly to change that narrative.
We are expecting participants from Egypt for an Instrument Rating course scheduled to begin June 16. Earlier, we trained participants from French-speaking countries in aviation English. However, limited infrastructure deters more enrolment. If we improve our facilities, our relatively low tuition (even in dollars) becomes a strong competitive advantage globally.
Q: What specific investments are required to improve the college’s capacity and global standing?
Our focus is on renewing critical infrastructure—accommodation, classrooms, and technical facilities. Some buildings date back to the 1960s and need modern upgrades to attract international students. We’re working on equipping classrooms with current technology and expanding our training facilities, especially in areas like Air Traffic Control.
Demand for certain courses is overwhelming. For example, some agencies want to train hundreds of controllers, but our current capacity can’t accommodate them. We’re investing in a 3D ATC simulator to address this. With more participation comes more revenue and greater relevance.
Q: Can you tell us more about NCAT’s full flight simulator programme?
There are different simulators for different aircraft types. No country owns simulators for every aircraft—it’s a business decision. You invest in simulators for aircraft models with high usage and training demand.
The Boeing 737 is the most widely operated aircraft in Nigeria, hence our choice. We also have plans for CRJ simulators if government funding supports us. It’s important to start with high-demand models. Once the market validates the initiative, we can expand accordingly.
Q: What is your outlook or projection for 2025?
It’s difficult to project without certainty about funding. Our capacity for 2025 will be defined by the support we receive from the government. If we can secure the necessary funding to upgrade our infrastructure and equipment, then we can set clear targets. For now, our priority is getting those upgrades in place.
Q: What is the extent of the funding gap you’re trying to close?
While I can’t give an exact figure now, we have identified key projects. One low-hanging fruit is the Boeing 737 full flight simulator, purchased five years ago but not operational.
We’ve set up a task force with a 90-day deadline to resolve all issues. A major step was securing NCAA’s commitment to fast-track certification. We’ve trained their personnel as well as our own. NCAA has now agreed to begin the certification process, and within one or two months, we expect the simulator to be in use. If needed, NCAA can collaborate with other civil aviation authorities globally—that’s the power of international aviation cooperation.
Q: How are you addressing staff attrition and building a succession plan?
When I assumed office, a significant concern was staff attrition. NCAT staff are the lowest paid among aviation agencies in Nigeria, and this has led to a brain drain to private airlines and other institutions.
To counter this, we are developing policies that will require bonded service from trainees. We will work with NCAA to ensure that certificates obtained at NCAT are tied to service commitments, meaning beneficiaries must work for the college for a period post-training.
Also, we have formally approached the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. We’re advocating for NCAT to receive special salary considerations, similar to what was done for the Petroleum Training Institute in the oil and gas sector. That’s how they retain experts. Aviation deserves the same.
