By Chinelo Obogo
Federal lawmakers have raised concerns about the poaching of qualified instructors from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria by sister agencies and private aviation companies.
During a recent oversight visit to the institution, the House Committee on Aviation Technology, led by its Chairman, Tajudeen Abisodun, attributed the troubling trend to low wages which cannot compete with industry standards. The committee conducted a facility tour and held discussions with the college administration regarding operational challenges.
Abisodun said that NCAT, which was established in 1964, remains Africa’s premier aviation training institution and has been instrumental in developing expertise for the continent’s aviation sector. However, the school’s inability to retain top talent is weakening its reputation for excellence.
“This college is experiencing a brain drain, with highly qualified instructors being poached by sister agencies and private aviation companies who offer them far better wages. When we invest in training instructors only to lose them due to low wage, we undermine our national aviation sector. This pattern cannot continue if we aim to maintain our leadership position in aviation training,” Abisodun said.
The college rector, Danjuma Ismaila acknowledged these issues while speaking on the institution’s achievements and challenges. He said that despite financial constraints, NCAT continues to produce a substantial percentage of aviation professionals working throughout Nigeria’s aviation sector, from air traffic controllers to aircraft maintenance engineers.
“Our graduates form the backbone of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Despite our challenges, we maintain rigorous standards that meet international requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation,” the rector said.
He then expressed gratitude for the support received from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and previous administrations, which has enabled the college to maintain its training capabilities despite financial constraints. However, he said that solutions are urgently needed to address the institution’s funding challenges.
While responding to the concerns raised, Abisodun pledged the committee’s commitment to addressing NCAT’s most pressing issues, saying, “We will carefully analyse the presentation provided by the rector and identify priority areas for immediate intervention.”
During a tour of the college’s facilities, committee members inspected training simulators, aircraft hangars, and classroom facilities. Abisodun emphasised the importance of NCAT to Nigeria’s aviation sector, saying, “Aviation is a critical enabler of economic growth, and NCAT plays an indispensable role in ensuring we have the technical expertise required to support industry expansion.”