The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has begun strategic efforts to acquire multiple flight simulators to boost training infrastructure. This move is expected to enhance capacity, attract global trainees, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign training facilities.
Rector of the college, Dr. Danjuma Ismailia, spoke in an interview during a one-week capacity-building exercise of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents. The training was sponsored by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He explained that the introduction of a Boeing 737 simulator is only a first step. NCAT is planning further expansion based on aircraft type demand in Nigeria and West Africa.
“We are starting with the B737 simulator because that is the most popular aircraft type in Nigeria,” he said. “But we are projecting to acquire more, depending on demand. You don’t want to tie up capital in a simulator that no one will use. It’s a business decision.”
Currently, many Nigerian and Asian pilots are forced to queue in Dubai for simulator training. The rector believes this will change when NCAT begins its simulator operations.
“Once we start operating our simulator here, we expect participants from not just Nigeria, but Asia and other parts of the world to come here. This will fetch us a lot of foreign exchange,” Dr. Ismailia noted.
However, rising interest in NCAT courses is exposing gaps in accommodation and infrastructure. These limitations, Dr. Ismailia said, are restricting the college’s capacity to take in more students.
“This is one of the major challenges I’m facing. Some of our accommodations are in shambles. These are buildings dating back to the 1960s. We need to upgrade them to attract international clients,” he explained.
He revealed that training requests from foreign nations like Egypt and Francophone African countries could not be fully met due to inadequate facilities.
“The Egyptians pleaded with us to run a programme for them by June 16. We also hosted French-speaking participants who came to learn aviation English. But if we had the right infrastructure, we could be a major training destination,” he added.
Appointed to reposition NCAT for financial independence, Dr. Ismailia believes that Nigeria can become a key aviation training centre in Africa. He said all courses are designed in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
“Our training programmes, certified by the NCAA which is ICAO-compliant, are recognized globally. So whether you get your ATPL certificate here or in the UK, it’s the same value,” he explained.
Some courses, he noted, are run in collaboration with ICAO, giving NCAT global relevance. According to the rector, this opens the door to increased foreign patronage and forex generation.
In addition to acquiring multiple flight simulators, NCAT is also upgrading classrooms and installing new technical equipment. A 3D air traffic control simulator is also planned to support controller certification and promotions.
“Many of our local and international clients are complaining that we cannot meet their training needs, especially in air traffic control. The new 3D simulator will change that,” Dr. Ismailia said.
Even with facility ownership, he stressed the need for constant improvement to remain competitive.
“Even when you own a facility, it’s not the end of it. You need to upgrade regularly to remain relevant and meet new global standards,” he added.
The college plans to renovate hostels, modernize classrooms, and create international-standard learning environments. Many of the buildings, the rector lamented, are outdated and unfit for modern aviation training needs.
“A student has a choice, especially one used to the international arena. When he comes here, he must see facilities that command respect,” he explained.
NCAT is working with the Ministry of Aviation to secure funding for these developments. Plans are also in motion to ensure facilities meet international expectations, including improved accommodation and technical laboratories.
The rector remains optimistic that 2025 will be a transformational year. He expects full operation of the Boeing 737 simulator, expanded course offerings, and increased foreign enrollment.
“We are already seeing growing interest. If we complete our infrastructure upgrades, we’ll attract more professionals from other African countries and even beyond,” Dr. Ismailia said confidently.
With continued support, he said NCAT could soon rival top aviation colleges globally in both technical capacity and training output. The acquisition of multiple flight simulators and other infrastructure will be key to achieving this vision.
