Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, Rector & CEO, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT)
Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, the Rector/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), has carefully mastered the art of bearing his faculties quite enviably particularly when it comes to enhancing the fortunes of an institution like NCAT with a proud legacy of over 50 years in delivering top-notch aviation training. Ever since assuming office as NCAT Rector/CEO, Dr. Ismaila has been directing his attention towards driving a number of strategies for positioning NCAT as a leading force in global aviation training.
To be sure, the nearly decade-long membership of the College on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) TRAINAIR PLUS Programme has been nothing but simply impressive and eventful, culminating in NCAT’s recognition as an ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Platinum Training Centre of Excellence. And what’s more: the College’s Platinum Centre of Excellence status was renewed recently, effective 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2027, at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Aside from this, NCAT’s footprints on the terrains of ICAO-endorsed training packages (TPs) remain clearly indelible. Over the years, the College’s prestigious Instructional Systems Design Unit (ISDU) has developed a total of nine ICAO-recognised TPs, eight of which target competencies in the air traffic safety electronics personnel (ATSEP) domain.
Established through Act of Parliament No. 31 of October 23, 1964 as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre (NCATC) Zaria, the College assumed its present name by virtue of Decree No. 41 of 1990. The establishment of NCATC came under a joint programme of assistance between the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ICAO, which lapsed on 31st December, 1974.
Today, NCAT continues to provide world-class aviation training and boasts a total of six schools: Flying School, Aeronautical Telecommunication Engineering School, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School, Aviation Management School, Air Traffic Services/Communication School, and Airport Emergency Training School. One of the most impressive achievements recorded by NCAT is in the realm of delivering a wide-range of ICAO STP courses, including Training Instructors Course (TIC) Part 2, Training Developers Course (TDC), and Training Managers Course (TMC). NCAT’s portfolio of ATSEP-specific and NCAT-developed TPs comprise one online ATSEP Basic Member-Developed ICAO Training Package (M-ITP) and seven Standardized Training Packages (STPs), namely: ATSEP-Airport Power Systems and Facilities Maintenance Course, ATSEP-Communication Equipment Maintenance Course, ATSEP-Data Processing and Automation Course, ATSEP-Surveillance Equipment Maintenance Course, ATSEP-Systems Monitoring and Control Course, ATSEP-Pre-On-the-Job Training Course, and ATEP-Navigation Aids Equipment Maintenance Course.
But, delivering ICAO STP courses is just one of the avenues NCAT is leveraging to maintain its Platinum Centre of Excellence status as well as position the College – and its faculties – as both an African and a global aviation training hub. Dr. Ismaila, as a matter of fact, is working assiduously on a number of innovative strategies to institutionalize a faculties-wide, sustainability-imperative, enduring, and standards-based aviation training ecosystem in NCAT. And here’s why he is Air Traffic Safety Electronics International (ATSEI) Aviation Executive of the year 2025.
As part of ATSEI’s Special Edition for the annual General Assembly of the International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics International (IFATSEA), the 2025 edition of which is scheduled to take place in Cape Town South Africa from 9 to 14 November 2025, Dr. Ismaila shared his insights regarding a wide variety issues revolving around the global aviation training ecosystem and NCAT’s strategic objectives with Air Traffic Safety Electronics International Managing Editor, Adeyinka Olumuyiwa Osunwusi. Here’s what he had to say:
As the Rector/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), an ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Platinum Training Centre of Excellence, how would you describe the aviation training ecosystem today both from the African and global perspectives?
As the Rector/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and as a proud member of the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Programme with Platinum Centre of Excellence status, I can affirm that the aviation training ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation both in Africa and globally.
From a global perspective, the aviation training landscape is evolving rapidly in response to emerging technologies, sustainability imperatives, and changing operational requirements. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), data-driven flight operations, and next-generation air traffic management are reshaping training curricula. There is also an increasing shift towards competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) in alignment with ICAO standards. Furthermore, post-COVID recovery has emphasized the need for flexible, digitally enabled learning models, including remote instruction, e-learning, and virtual simulations.
In Africa, we are witnessing growing recognition of the critical role training plays in supporting the continent’s aviation growth. There is a surge in demand for qualified aviation professionals—pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, and safety inspectors—to support expanding route networks and modernized infrastructure. However, the continent still faces challenges such as uneven access to state-of-the-art training resources, high costs, and regulatory disparities. Institutions like NCAT, in collaboration with ICAO and other international partners, are working hard to bridge these gaps by promoting standardization, localization of training content, and capacity building through the TRAINAIR PLUS framework.
Overall, the ecosystem is more interconnected than ever before. As NCAT continues to lead in this space, our goal is to ensure that African aviation professionals are not just keeping up, but are actively contributing to global aviation excellence through world-class training, innovation, and partnerships.
NCAT has been providing top-notch aviation training in the past 50 years or so. What is your vision regarding the continuing provision of top-notch aviation training by NCAT and what strengths are you bringing to NCAT in terms of increasing the college’s fortune and visibility in the global aviation training community?
Indeed, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology has a proud legacy of over 60 years in delivering high-quality aviation training, not just for Nigeria, but for the African continent and beyond. As Rector/Chief Executive Officer, my vision is to build on this strong foundation and position NCAT as a leading force in global aviation training—agile, future-ready, and internationally competitive.
Our commitment is to sustain and enhance the quality of our training in line with ICAO standards and best practices. This includes deepening our implementation of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), integrating emerging technologies into our curricula—such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), data analytics, and AI—and expanding our offerings in safety, security, and airspace modernization.
To increase NCAT’s visibility and fortune globally, I am focused on six core strategies. The first is strengthening international collaborations. We are enhancing our partnerships with ICAO, IATA, AATO, and other global institutions to ensure that our training programmes remain relevant and impactful. We also actively participate in international forums and capacity-building initiatives to showcase NCAT’s capabilities. The second strategy pertains to investing in infrastructure and innovation. We are modernizing our simulators, aircraft fleet, laboratories, and digital platforms to support both traditional and e-learning formats. The aim is to create an advanced learning environment that meets the demands of next-generation aviation professionals.
The third aspect is building a high-performance culture. With a passionate and experienced team, we are promoting excellence in instruction, research, and operational standards. We are also investing in instructor development and retaining top talent across all disciplines. Fourthly, we are focused on internal capacity building and we intend to achieve this by investing significantly in the training and retraining of our instructors to ensure they remain aligned with the evolving dynamics of the global aviation industry. By equipping our faculty with up-to-date knowledge and skills in emerging technologies, operational procedures, and international best practices, we ensure that our graduates are prepared not just for today’s aviation environment, but also for the challenges of tomorrow.
The fifth core strategy is the acquisition of world-class training facilities. NCAT intends to strategically expand its training infrastructure by acquiring state-of-the-art simulators, modern training aircraft, and other advanced instructional tools. These facilities will enable us to broaden our course offerings, enhance practical training, and give our students hands-on experience that meets ICAO and other international standards. This deliberate expansion will further solidify NCAT’s place as the premier aviation training institution in Africa. Lastly, we are keying into the establishment of outreach centres. Recognizing the growing demand for accessible, flexible, and world-class aviation training, NCAT is working towards establishing outreach centres in Abuja and Lagos. These centres will bring our training closer to our clients across Nigeria and the West African sub-region, reducing barriers to participation while strengthening our presence in key aviation hubs.
As someone with both technical knowledge and strategic leadership experience, I bring a deep understanding of the aviation value chain, policy direction, and global training trends. I am committed to leveraging these strengths to steer NCAT toward greater relevance, recognition, and resilience in the dynamic world of aviation.
In summary, my vision is to ensure that NCAT not only remains a centre of excellence but becomes a global benchmark in aviation training for decades to come.
OUR COMMITMENT IS TO SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF OUR TRAINING IN LINE WITH ICAO STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES. THIS INCLUDES DEEPENING OUR IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETENCY-BASED TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT (CBTA), INTEGRATING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES INTO OUR CURRICULA—SUCH AS UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS), DATA ANALYTICS, AND AI—AND EXPANDING OUR OFFERINGS IN SAFETY, SECURITY, AND AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION.
What would you say are the biggest growth challenges for African aviation training organisations today?
The growth challenges facing African aviation training organizations today are multi-dimensional, cutting across infrastructure, regulatory alignment, access to resources, and talent development. Firstly, there are challenges in the area of infrastructure and technological gaps. Many training institutions across the continent still operate with outdated equipment, simulators, and aircraft. This limits their ability to deliver training that meets current global standards, particularly in areas such as advanced avionics, next-gen air traffic systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and sustainability practices. Funding and affordability constitute another growth challenge. Aviation training is capital-intensive. Limited public funding and high operational costs make it difficult for institutions to expand or upgrade. This also affects affordability for aspiring professionals, leading to a shortage of skilled personnel across the continent.
Another big growth challenge is regulatory fragmentation. Inconsistent regulatory frameworks and limited harmonization across African states pose significant challenges. For training organizations to be globally competitive, there needs to be regional standardization aligned with ICAO guidelines, particularly in adopting competency-based training and assessment (CBTA). There is also the issue of the retention and development of talent. Attracting and retaining qualified instructors remains a challenge. Many experienced professionals migrate to more developed markets, creating gaps in instructional quality and continuity.
A yet another growth challenge is limited digital transformation. The post-COVID world demands greater flexibility in training delivery—e-learning, remote simulation, and digital courseware. Yet, many institutions still lack the infrastructure and expertise to make this shift effectively.
Despite these challenges, African aviation training organizations—like NCAT—are making significant progress. Through strategic partnerships, targeted investment, and alignment with international standards, we are gradually overcoming these barriers. With coordinated regional efforts, support from stakeholders, and a clear vision, African aviation training can not only grow but also lead innovation in certain niches of the global aviation sector.
And what more needs to be done to address these challenges?
To effectively address the challenges facing African aviation training organizations, a coordinated and sustained effort is required at multiple levels—national, regional, and international. Firstly, there is a need for increased investment in infrastructure and technology. Governments and private sector stakeholders must prioritize funding for the modernization of training facilities—aircraft, simulators, laboratories, and digital platforms. Without this, institutions cannot effectively train the next generation of aviation professionals to meet evolving industry standards. Policy harmonization and regulatory support are also required. There’s a pressing need for greater regulatory alignment across African states, particularly in implementing ICAO’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) framework. A unified regional approach would facilitate mutual recognition of certifications, enhance mobility of trainees, and foster collaboration among training organizations. The third aspect is the strengthening of public–private partnerships. Collaborations between training institutions, airlines, regulators, OEMs, and international organizations such as ICAO, IATA, and AATO are crucial. These partnerships can help bridge gaps in expertise, technology access, and curriculum development.
Capacity building and instructor development is another area. We must invest in developing and retaining highly qualified instructors. This includes opportunities for international exposure, continuous professional development, and better incentives to reduce brain drain. Digital transformation and e-learning integration are also imperative. Institutions must embrace digital learning solutions to expand access, increase flexibility, and reduce training costs. This includes virtual simulations, remote instruction, and interactive courseware aligned with global trends.
Lastly, attention should be given to awareness and career promotion. Encouraging young people to pursue aviation careers through outreach, scholarships, and mentorship programs is also vital. Without a strong pipeline of passionate learners, the system cannot grow.
Ultimately, it will take leadership, innovation, and collaboration to ensure African aviation training organizations not only overcome these challenges but also compete effectively on the global stage.
How would you describe your assessment of NCAT on assumption of office?
Upon assuming office as the Rector/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), I undertook a comprehensive assessment of the institution’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. What I found was a college with an impressive legacy and prospects—over six decades of producing highly skilled aviation professionals for Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. NCAT’s status as an ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Platinum Centre of Excellence is a testament to the dedication of its staff, the quality of its training, and its commitment to international standards.
However, like any forward-looking institution, NCAT also faces areas that require strategic attention. These include modernization of infrastructure, curriculum updates to reflect emerging trends such as drone operations, cybersecurity, and sustainable aviation, as well as greater integration of digital learning technologies. There’s also the need to deepen our engagement with the global aviation community and expand our visibility and partnerships.
My assessment, therefore, is one of great potential. NCAT has a solid foundation and a dedicated workforce. What is needed now is targeted investment, innovation, and a renewed drive to align more closely with the evolving needs of the global aviation industry. I am committed to building on the college’s legacy, addressing gaps, and positioning NCAT as a truly world-class aviation training institution.
The buzz of discussions regarding the growing shortage of competent instructors in NCAT is getting louder by the day. Just how real is this buzz and what are your thoughts regarding the measures that should be put in place urgently in order to nip the ongoing brain drain in the bud?
The concern about a growing shortage of competent instructors in NCAT is not without merit and it reflects a broader trend across the aviation training industry, both within Africa and globally. As aviation technology evolves and demand for skilled professionals increases, retaining qualified instructors has become more challenging, especially in the face of global competition, better remuneration abroad, and emerging opportunities in private industry.
At NCAT, we acknowledge this reality. While we still maintain a strong core of highly experienced instructors, there is an urgent need to strengthen our instructor base to ensure continuity, relevance, and the highest standards of training delivery.
To address this, several key measures are being prioritized. The first measure relates to competitive welfare packages. We are reviewing and advocating for improved incentives, working conditions, and career development pathways to make instructional roles more attractive and sustainable within the College. Secondly, we are focusing on instructor development programmes. We are scaling up continuous professional development, certification support, and exposure to international best practices. NCAT instructors must remain globally competitive—not just in qualifications, but in instructional methods, use of technology, and industry relevance. The third focal point targets the recruitment of industry experts and alumni engagement. In this respect, we are opening doors for seasoned aviation professionals—including NCAT alumni—to return as part-time or adjunct instructors. This model allows the College to tap into a broader talent pool while building bridges with the industry.
We are also focused on technology-enabled instruction because by integrating e-learning and simulation-based training, we can ease the workload on instructors while maintaining quality. It also allows us to deliver more flexible, scalable training. Another measure that we are prioritizing is retention through recognition. In this respect, we are working on institutional mechanisms to recognize and reward excellence in teaching. Valuing our instructors publicly and professionally is key to retention.
Brain drain is a serious issue, but it is not insurmountable. With a strategic and proactive approach, we can not only retain our best minds but also attract new ones—ensuring NCAT remains a center of instructional excellence for years to come.
How feasible, from your perspectives, are some of these measures, specifically the area relating to improved remuneration for NCAT staff across the board?
Improved remuneration for NCAT staff—particularly instructors and technical personnel—is not just desirable; it is essential if we are to retain top talent and maintain our status as a centre of excellence in aviation training. However, I must be candid: while the need is clear, implementation involves navigating institutional, regulatory, and budgetary frameworks, especially as NCAT operates under government funding and public service structures.
That said, I believe the goal is feasible—with a phased, strategic, and well-justified approach. We are actively engaging with relevant authorities to review the remuneration structure, particularly for roles that require rare expertise and global competitiveness. Benchmarking NCAT’s compensation packages against similar international training institutions is part of this effort.
In the meantime, we are also exploring non-monetary incentives—such as international exposure, professional development opportunities, recognition programmes, and improved working conditions—to boost morale and retention while broader policy changes are being pursued. The key is demonstrating the return on investment: that better-remunerated staff directly translate to improved training outcomes, international partnerships, and ultimately, a stronger aviation sector for Nigeria and the region.
So, while not an overnight fix, I am optimistic that with sustained advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic prioritization, we can make meaningful progress in improving staff welfare across the board.
Taking a broader look at the global civil aviation operations, what do you think about the increasing digitalization, automation and virtualization of aviation systems and operations vis-à-vis the need to ensure the adequate alignment of training processes with the changing techno-operational realities?
The increasing digitalization, automation, and virtualization of civil aviation systems and operations represent both a remarkable leap forward for the industry and a critical challenge for aviation training institutions worldwide. From artificial intelligence in air traffic management to fully automated cockpits, remote tower operations, data-driven maintenance, and virtual flight simulations, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in how aviation is planned, executed, and regulated.
This transformation demands that training processes evolve at the same pace—if not faster—to ensure that aviation personnel are not only competent but future-ready. Traditional training models, while foundational, must now be recalibrated to incorporate technological fluency, data literacy, and systems thinking across all areas of aviation—from flight operations and aircraft maintenance to safety oversight and airspace management.
At NCAT, we see this as both a challenge and an opportunity. Our training curricula are being reviewed and progressively updated to integrate next-generation concepts, including Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), virtual reality (VR) and simulation-based learning, as well as emerging domains such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), cybersecurity, and sustainability.
Moreover, digitalization also allows us to enhance accessibility and flexibility in learning through e-learning platforms, hybrid courses, and performance analytics, which benefit both instructors and trainees. The key going forward is alignment—ensuring that our training philosophies, instructional methods, and technological tools are closely aligned with real-world operational requirements. This means maintaining strong links with industry stakeholders, adapting quickly to regulatory changes, and investing consistently in infrastructure and instructor development.
In summary, digitalization and automation are not future concepts—they are the present reality. The institutions that will lead the next era of aviation are those that not only recognize this, but embed it into every layer of their training ecosystem. NCAT is firmly committed to being one of those institutions.
And what is NCAT doing or planning to do in order to ensure that training programmes across the entire spectrum of the college’s competencies are properly aligned with the changing faces of technological, operational, and regulatory realities?
At NCAT, we fully recognize that the aviation industry is evolving rapidly—driven by technological innovations, shifting operational paradigms, and continuously updated regulatory frameworks. To remain relevant and competitive as a premier aviation training institution, our approach is proactive and multifaceted.
Firstly, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of all training programmes—across piloting, aircraft maintenance, air traffic services, aeronautical telecommunications, flight dispatch, and aviation management—to ensure they reflect current and emerging global standards. This includes the integration of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), as endorsed by ICAO, which focuses on practical performance outcomes aligned with real-world job roles.
Secondly, we are investing in modern training technologies—including upgraded flight and maintenance simulators, virtual learning tools, and interactive courseware—to support both traditional and digital delivery modes. These upgrades are particularly essential in preparing students for digitalized and automated aviation environments.
Thirdly, we are strengthening partnerships with industry players, aviation regulators, OEMs, and international bodies like ICAO, IATA, and AATO. These collaborations help ensure our curricula stay aligned with operational realities, and they provide valuable input into curriculum design, instructor development, and research priorities. We are also focusing on instructor upskilling, ensuring that our faculties are not only certified but continuously exposed to the latest trends, technologies, and teaching methodologies. This ensures that knowledge transfer remains current and relevant.
Additionally, we are working closely with the NCAA and other relevant bodies to ensure that our training programmes comply with the latest regulatory developments, both nationally and internationally.
In essence, NCAT is not waiting for the future to arrive—we are actively building towards it. Our goal is to ensure that every graduate from NCAT is not only competent but also technologically and operationally ready to thrive in the next era of global aviation.
There is also much buzz today in the aviation industry regarding the imminence of a large-scale adoption of AI (artificial intelligence) technologies in virtually all spheres of global aviation operations. What are your thoughts regarding the possibility of NCAT responding to this via the development of AI-targeted and cyber security-related training programmes?
The growing buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) in aviation is well-founded. We are on the cusp of a significant transformation where AI will increasingly power everything from predictive maintenance and flight planning optimization to air traffic management, passenger experience, and safety systems. Alongside this, cybersecurity has become an equally critical domain, as increased digitalization brings heightened vulnerability to cyber threats.
At NCAT, we view this evolution not as a distant possibility but as an immediate strategic priority. We fully understand that to remain relevant in the global aviation training landscape, we must prepare professionals not only to operate in AI-enhanced environments but also to help shape and secure them. To this end, we are actively exploring the development of AI-targeted and cybersecurity-related training programmes. These will be designed to equip aviation personnel—across disciplines—with foundational knowledge in AI concepts, data analytics, automation systems, and cyber risk management.
Our approach will be multi-layered. Our first approach will be curriculum enrichment. We are reviewing existing programmes to integrate AI and cybersecurity awareness modules where applicable—for example, in air traffic control, avionics, aircraft maintenance, and aviation management. The second approach will capture the area of Specialized Courses as plans are underway to develop standalone short courses and certifications focused on AI in aviation operations, data-driven decision-making, and aviation cybersecurity, tailored to regulators, airline staff, engineers, and ICT personnel.
Thirdly, we are looking at Partnerships and Capacity Building. We are seeking strategic partnerships with tech institutions, AI researchers, and cybersecurity experts, both locally and internationally, to support curriculum design, instructor training, and practical exposure.
The fourth approach will target the aspect of Infrastructure and Simulation. As part of our digital transformation agenda, we aim to integrate AI-based tools and cybersecurity scenarios into our simulation platforms, giving trainees real-world insights into emerging challenges and technologies.
AI and cybersecurity are no longer optional—they are mission-critical to the future of aviation. NCAT is committed to taking the lead in Nigeria and the African region by developing forward-looking training solutions that will prepare aviation professionals to thrive in this rapidly changing ecosystem.
Now, let’s talk about air traffic safety electronics personnel (ATSEP) and the growing need for innovative, cost-effective and competency-based training programmes for the purpose of developing the competence and honing the skills of modern day ATSEP. What types of ATSEP related courses does NCAT offer at the moment? And how are these courses meeting the needs of industry stakeholders?
At the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of competency-based training programmes for Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), aligned with the structured training phases outlined in ICAO Doc 10057—namely: initial, unit, continuation, and development training phases. Our curriculum is underpinned by the ICAO Competency Framework detailed in Doc 9868, ensuring our graduates meet globally recognized standards of technical and operational competence.
As air navigation technologies evolve rapidly in step with global trends, NCAT remains committed to delivering training solutions that are industry-relevant, workplace-transferable, and cost-effective. We are currently undertaking a strategic repositioning of our faculties, instructional workforce, and training infrastructure, with an emphasis on fostering dynamic, technology-driven learning environments. Our training methodology integrates a continuous improvement cycle—from formative and summative assessments to post-training impact evaluation—yielding both qualitative and quantitative insights that help optimize trainee performance and institutional effectiveness. These efforts reflect our broader goal of enhancing service delivery, closing skills gaps, and supporting regulatory and service provider stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem. Through this commitment, NCAT continues to strengthen its role as a regional centre of excellence for ATSEP training in Africa and a trusted partner for international collaboration.
From your perspectives, how have the training needs of service providers who are NCAT’s clients been changing in recent times?
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward more specialized, adaptive training solutions that respond to rapid technological innovation and evolving regulatory frameworks. While foundational training remains essential, service providers increasingly require customized programmes that address emerging technologies and system upgrades in communication, navigation, surveillance, and cybersecurity.
Notably, the renewed interest from the Nigerian Air Force in our ATSEP training programmes reflects an encouraging trend of enhanced civil–military collaboration in aviation safety and capacity development. This reinforces the strategic importance of NCAT’s role in strengthening the technical readiness of stakeholders tasked with safeguarding the airspace.
And would you say that NCAT has been responding to these changing needs adequately?
Absolutely. At NCAT, we maintain an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Our approach is rooted in active engagement with our client organizations—civil and military alike—ensuring that their evolving human capital needs are met in a timely, relevant, and sustainable manner. We continue to take bold steps to upgrade our curriculum, expand instructional capacity, and invest in both physical and digital infrastructure. Just as importantly, NCAT collaborates closely with regulatory authorities, industry professionals, and international partners to ensure that both safety-critical and safety-related training initiatives remain accessible and future-focused.
While we acknowledge that there is always room to grow, we are proud of the proactive strides we’ve taken to remain at the forefront of aviation training in Africa.
As a TRAINAIR PLUS member, NCAT, through the College’s instructional system development unit (ISDU), has developed a good number of training packages (TPs) for ATSEP, comprising STPs and an M-ITP, which have been validated and approved by ICAO. How many of these TPs has NCAT delivered so far?
As a proud member of the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Programme, NCAT—through its Instructional Systems Development Unit (ISDU)—has developed a total of nine ICAO-recognised Training Packages (TPs). Of these, eight are directly aligned with the ATSEP (Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel) domain, comprising Standardised Training Packages (STPs) and one Member-Developed ICAO Training Package (M-ITP). These courses have already been delivered a number of times to both our local clients within Nigeria and international participants from across Africa and beyond.
The feedback from these deliveries has been very encouraging, as participants consistently attest to the high quality, relevance, and applicability of the training to real-world operational environments. This validates our commitment to providing top-notch training that meets ICAO standards and industry needs.
That said, based on our capacity, international recognition, and the sheer size of the market, our projection is that the level of patronage should be far higher. We believe that more airlines, civil aviation authorities, and the global aviation community stand to benefit significantly from these training packages.
In addition to these, NCAT has hosted the delivery of over 34 ICAO-certified training packages across various aviation disciplines, serving domestic and international clients. These courses are designed to meet ICAO standards, ensuring that participants gain competency-based, workplace-relevant skills. NCAT continues to actively engage with service providers and stakeholders to expand the uptake of ATSEP qualification STPs, recognizing their transformative impact on operational efficiency and the performance indicators of ANSPs and regulatory bodies alike, improve the work place performance and their respective operational indicators.
Still talking about NCAT’s membership within the framework of the global ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS community, how significant do you find this membership particularly in the context of NCAT’s unrelenting drive for training excellence?
NCAT’s long-standing participation in the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Programme, and its elevation to Platinum Member status, stands as a testament to its dedication to high-quality, standards-driven training delivery. Our nearly decade-long uninterrupted membership not only signifies maturity and credibility, but also reflects our deep integration with global best practices in instructional design and implementation.
This distinction reinforces our role as primus inter pares—“first among equals”—within the aviation training community in Africa and beyond. It comes with the responsibility to lead by example, a role we have consistently embraced through continuous innovation, quality assurance, and knowledge exchange within the TRAINAIR PLUS network.
Overall, how do you see NCAT growing in the next five years?
Looking ahead, NCAT’s strategic ambition extends beyond being a world-class aviation training provider. Our vision is to evolve into a regional hub for aviation technology and innovation, leveraging our institutional mandate to support not just capacity development, but also research, design, and deployment of emerging technologies. In line with this, we have continued to expand our training portfolio with state-of-the-art facilities that directly address industry needs.
Notably, NCAT now operates a Boeing 737 Full Flight Simulator for type rating training, enabling operators to access high-quality, cost-effective pilot training without the need to go abroad. We have also commissioned a full-fledged Firefighting Simulator, which provides realistic, hands-on training for aviation fire and rescue practitioners—one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the region.
Together with our broader strategy, these additions place NCAT at the forefront of preparing for the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into civil airspace, advancing next-generation simulation technologies, and developing cross-disciplinary training solutions that address the needs of a rapidly evolving aviation ecosystem. Anchored in our enabling Act, this transformative agenda is designed to keep NCAT future-ready, globally competitive, and a driving force for sustainable growth in the aviation industry. ◙
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