By Opara Ejike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the restructuring of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, by establishing six new campuses across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This development marks a significant step in the federal government’s effort to decentralize aviation education and expand access to specialized training in the sector. The decision is expected to enhance capacity building, create jobs, and stimulate local economies through aviation-related development.
Under the new structure, the six campuses will be located in the following cities:
Akure, representing the South-West
Osubi, representing the South-South
Ebonyi, representing the South-East
Ilorin, representing the North-Central
Yola, representing the North-East
Zaria, representing the North-West (and remaining as the headquarters)
With this move, Nigeria aims to address the growing demand for aviation professionals by distributing training centers more evenly across the country. Each campus is expected to focus on different aspects of aviation training, tailored to regional strengths and infrastructure.
The decision has been welcomed by stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. Many see it as a long-overdue reform that will promote equity in access to aviation education. Civil society groups have praised the initiative for its potential to reduce regional imbalances and unlock new economic opportunities.
However, some industry experts have expressed concerns about the logistics, cost, and sustainability of operating multiple campuses. They have urged the federal government to ensure that the decentralization does not compromise the quality of training or dilute the reputation NCAT has built over the years.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is expected to release further details regarding implementation timelines, funding, and the specific focus areas of each campus.
Established in 1964, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology has played a central role in training aviation professionals in Nigeria and across Africa. The newly approved multi-campus model represents a major shift that could redefine aviation education and training in the region.
