The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has appealed to the Federal Government for increased funding to address capital project challenges, including modernizing training equipment and expanding facilities. Acting Rector Joseph Imalighwe highlighted the need for resources like fire-tenders for airport emergency training, additional ICT infrastructure, and instructor capacity building during a briefing in Lagos on Sunday.

Imalighwe celebrated NCAT’s recertification by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), describing it as a testament to the institution’s commitment to global training standards. However, he noted challenges such as an inactive Boeing 737 flight simulator, inadequate hostels, and encroachment on college land. He urged the government to sustain NCAT’s status as an ICAO TrainAir Plus Training Centre of Excellence by allocating more resources.

The rector outlined recent achievements, including establishing an Airport Emergency Training School and forming partnerships with organizations like NLNG, but emphasized the urgent need for investments to maintain NCAT’s pivotal role in producing 45% of licensed aviation personnel in Nigeria.