Keyamo Explains Need To Expand Aviation College Beyond Zaria

Keyamo Explains Need To Expand Aviation College Beyond Zaria

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has explained the Federal Government’s decision to expand the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) beyond its current base in Zaria, Kaduna State. The move, he stated, aligns with the government’s broader economic policies and aims to make aviation training more accessible across the country…READ MORE…

Speaking during the 2025 budget defense session with the Joint Aviation Committees of the National Assembly, Keyamo highlighted the challenges posed by NCAT’s growing student population.

He explained that the government had resorted to purchasing private residences, such as the Zaria Hotel, to accommodate students, but emphasized that continuing to expand only within Zaria was no longer sustainable.

“Zaria has been a beacon of pride for Nigeria since its establishment in 1964. Many of the country’s pilots and captains have trained there, and it has earned global recognition, including commendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),” Keyamo stated.

However, he noted that the increasing number of students has led to space constraints. “We had to buy the Zaria Hotel as an annex because the main campus could no longer accommodate the growing population. But the question remains: how long can we keep purchasing private properties in Zaria when there are other parts of this country that also need access to aviation training?”

Drawing a parallel with the Nigeria Law School, which started in Lagos and later expanded to other states, Keyamo argued that establishing NCAT campuses in other regions would democratize access to aviation education.

“Other parts of the country should have the same opportunities. The law school has campuses nationwide to ensure accessibility, and the same principle should apply to the aviation college,” he added.

Keyamo cited examples of law school campuses in Ebonyi and Yola, which have brought legal education closer to residents of those areas, and expressed optimism that replicating this model for NCAT would have similar benefits.

“This initiative will ensure that the growing demand for aviation training is met while giving all Nigerians an equal opportunity to access these facilities,” he concluded.

For More Information And News Update, Join Ireporteronline WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaV4jB6DuMRgwqnJCF32 For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 09010649814 on Whatsapp