The College is a committed ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS member. How significant is this relationship? And are you in association with any other aviation training entities in Africa and beyond?

The significance of NCAT’s membership in the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Programme and our active involvement with other aviation training entities in Africa and beyond cannot be overstated. These partnerships exemplify our unwavering commitment to enhancing aviation safety, security, and sustainability on both regional and global scales.

 As a Platinum Training Centre of Excellence (TCE) within the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Programme, NCAT assumes a leadership role in our region and globally. This designation underscores our dedication to regulatory training and capacity-building. It also signifies our commitment to actively supporting the ICAO in its mission to assist Member States in implementing the ICAO SARPs. Through the extensive delivery of ICAO training, we contribute to the development of highly qualified and competent aviation personnel, aligning with ICAO A38-12, Appendix D. (Consolidated statement of continuing ICAO policies and associated practices related specifically to air navigation)

 Moreover, our Instructional Systems Design Unit conducts training needs analysis for the aviation industry. This critical function supports the development of effective human resources development strategies, ensuring that the aviation sector is equipped with the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.

 Additionally, our active membership in the Association of African Aviation Training Organizations (AATO) is a testament to our dedication to fostering cooperation and resource sharing among aviation training organizations. AATO serves as a platform for collaboration, enabling us to collectively design, develop, and promote standards and harmonization in aviation training. Through AATO, we contribute to the growth and excellence of aviation training not only in Africa but also globally.

 Our relationship with the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Programme and our engagement with aviation training entities in Africa and beyond are instrumental in shaping the future of aviation education and practice. These partnerships empower us to uphold the highest standards of training, contribute to the development of aviation personnel worldwide, and play a pivotal role in advancing the safety, security, and sustainability of global air transport. NCAT remains steadfast in its commitment to these endeavours, and we look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of the aviation industry and its stakeholders.

As a TRAINAIR PLUS member, NCAT has developed a good number of training packages (TPs), comprising STPs and M-ITPs. How many of these TPs has NCAT delivered so far?

NCAT has developed a total of 8 standardized training packages (STPs) and one Member-ICAO Training Package (M-ITP) to date, and we take pride in our role as a leading aviation training provider. It’s important to emphasize the distinction between these two types of training packages: ITPs are comprehensive competency-based training courses designed to support the implementation of ICAO international standards and practices, covering a wide range of aviation topics. In contrast, STPs primarily concentrate on operational practices, often aligning with national regulations, procedures, or industry-specific requirements, resulting in a more focused training approach.

 One remarkable aspect of our STP deliveries is that they have garnered international recognition and participation. Several STP training deliveries have been conducted previously by foreign nationals, showcasing NCAT’s stature as a foremost training provider not only within Nigeria but also on the global stage. This international engagement has not only enriched our training programs but has also brought in foreign exchange, further highlighting the value and expertise that NCAT offers.

We are pleased to have welcomed participants from countries such as Chad, Egypt, Thailand, Kenya, and Sierra Leone, among others, to our training programs. Their participation stands as a testament to the quality and relevance of our training offerings. We are committed to continuing our tradition of excellence and international collaboration, which we believe will further enhance our pedigree as a premier aviation training institution. Through these efforts, we anticipate a continued increase in the utilization of our training packages, contributing significantly to the growth and safety of the aviation industry both locally and globally.

And how would you describe the level of patronage of these training packages?

Regarding the number of training deliveries for our STPs/M-ITPs, while we have aspired to see a higher volume, we acknowledge that the actual figures have not met our desired levels. However, we are actively implementing measures to address the identified challenges that have affected the utilization of these valuable training solutions. Through these concerted efforts, we anticipate witnessing an uptick in the utilization of our training packages, ultimately contributing significantly to the enhancement of aviation competency and safety in our region and beyond.

NCAT’s instructional system development arm has been working on an M-ITP on ATSEP Basic Training in line with ICAO Doc 10057. What is the state of this all-important training package today? Has it received the endorsement of ICAO as well as the approval of the International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA) under the Federation’s Verified Training Program for ATSEP?

I am delighted to provide an update on the state of NCAT’s ICAO M-ITP on ATSEP Basic Training. This all-important training package has reached significant milestones, underscoring its value and recognition within the aviation community.

 First and foremost, the ATSEP Basic ITP received formal approval from the ICAO GAT office in March 2023. It has been enlisted in the prestigious TRAINAIR PLUS Library with the code ITP/R/ANS/ATSEP/016E, signifying its compliance with ICAO standards and best practices.

 Furthermore, this training package is readily accessible through our NCAT online learning management platform at https://elearning.ncat.gov.ng/. It is also listed in the ICAO Aviation Training directory, making it easily discoverable by aviation professionals worldwide. Notably, we have received enrollment requests from esteemed aviation stakeholders spanning the globe, including countries such as Malawi, the Bahamas, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Costa Rica, and more.

 In addition to ICAO’s endorsement, we are thrilled to share that NCAT has actively engaged with IFATSEA to secure approval under the Federation’s Verified Training Program for ATSEP. Our delegation presented a compelling case for this formal enlistment during the IFASEA African region meeting in Livingstone, Zambia, held from June 13th to 16th, 2023. IFATSEA’s participation in the course development phase as a content validator has been instrumental in ensuring alignment with relevant ICAO provisions.

 This collaborative effort has positioned our ATSEP Basic Training program as a global benchmark for excellence and harmonization. We are confident that the program will empower ATSEPs with the necessary skills and awareness to carry out their critical roles in air traffic control systems, contributing to the safety and efficiency of aviation operations.

 In summary, NCAT’s ICAO M-ITP on ATSEP Basic Training stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence in aviation education. It has received formal approval from ICAO, is readily accessible for enrollment, and is actively pursuing approval under IFATSEA’s Verified Training Program. We are excited about the positive impact this training package will have on the aviation industry, both regionally and globally, and we remain dedicated to advancing aviation competency and safety.

ICAO auditors were in Nigeria recently for the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) audit. How did NCAT fare, being a centre of excellence in aviation training?

The ICAO USOAP CMA audit of Nigeria is meant to audit the Safety Oversight capabilities of the NCAA. The NCAA granted approval for NCAT to operate as an ATO, thus how NCAA performs oversight over NCAT was audited by the ICAO auditors. The regulations and procedures used by the NCAA for approval of NCAT were reviewed under Personnel Licensing (PEL) and it was considered satisfactory.

Do you think the auditors’ verdict on NCAT could be described as a clean bill of health?

The ICAO auditors did not audit NCAT directly, but NCAA’s oversight capability over NCAT which was considered satisfactory because NCAT met all the requirements before NCAA granted the College Approved Training Organization (ATO) certificate. They also confirmed that NCAT operates within the scope of the Training Specifications issued by the NCAA.

Talking about the training of air traffic safety electronics personnel (ATSEP), how diversified are the college’s competencies at the moment in relation to programmes under the jurisdiction of the ATE School?

The competencies within the ATE School at NCAT are indeed diverse and comprehensive, encompassing various critical aspects of the training of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP). Our training solutions align with the ATSEP training phases outlined in ICAO Doc 10057, ensuring that ATSEP candidates receive a well-rounded and thorough education.

As of now, our training programs cover the fundamental modules, including Communication, Navigation, Surveillance, Data Processing, Infrastructure, and Engineering. These modules are essential components of ATSEP training, addressing the theoretical and practical aspects required for the safe and efficient operation of air navigation systems.

Our commitment to excellence extends to offering training at various phases of the ATSEP training pyramid. We currently provide training for Phase 1 (Initial Training) and Phase 2 (Unit Training), where ATSEP candidates acquire the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for their roles. Plans are actively underway to further deepen competencies and capacity to encompass the higher training phases, such as Phase 3 (Continuation Training) and Phase 4 (Development Training).

Our aim is to provide a holistic and robust training experience that prepares ATSEP professionals to excel in their responsibilities, maintain competencies, and adapt to evolving technologies and systems. We take pride in our diverse competencies within the ATE School and remain dedicated to advancing the capabilities of ATSEP personnel to ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic control systems.

Are these competencies restricted to aeronautical telecommunications-related programmes or to the CNS/ATM domain?

Certainly not. The competencies outlined in the ICAO competency framework for Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), as integrated into our training at NCAT, extend well beyond aeronautical telecommunications-related programs. These competencies are comprehensive and are designed to cover a broad spectrum of technical and operational areas within the CNS/ATM (Communication, Navigation, Surveillance, and Air Traffic Management) domain.

While they include aeronautical telecommunications, they also encompass critical aspects such as radio navigation aids, data communication systems, secondary surveillance radar, airborne collision avoidance systems, utilization of aeronautical frequencies, and even support for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) operations. In essence, these competencies are applicable to a wide range of functions and responsibilities within the aviation industry, ensuring that ATSEP professionals are equipped to excel in diverse roles and contribute to the safety and efficiency of air navigation systems.

There is much buzz in air traffic safety electronics circles today regarding the impact of the increasing digitalization and automation of CNS/ATM systems on ATSEP performance and competency development. Do you think the adoption of training tools and technologies such as simulators in the ATSEP training environment can play any significant role in enhancing the competency and skills of ATSEP in the 21^st century and beyond?

Absolutely, the adoption of advanced training tools and technologies, including simulators, is no longer just a luxury but a vital necessity in ensuring the continuous enhancement of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) competency and skills in today’s digitalized and automated CNS/ATM systems landscape.

The rapid digitalization and automation of CNS/ATM systems have ushered in unprecedented complexities and challenges. To effectively prepare ATSEP professionals for these evolving environments, we believe that incorporating cutting-edge training tools and technologies is paramount. Simulators, in particular, offer a dynamic and immersive learning experience that allows ATSEP candidates to gain hands-on exposure to real-world scenarios without the high cost of replicating operational air navigation systems.

Simulators provide a safe and controlled environment for honing skills, troubleshooting, and mastering intricate technical tasks. They enable trainees to develop competencies in a risk-free setting, fostering greater confidence and readiness for their crucial roles in maintaining the safety and efficiency of air navigation systems.

At NCAT, we recognize the significance of these training tools and have embraced their integration into our ATSEP training environment. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of training methodologies ensures that our graduates are not only well-prepared for the challenges of today but are also equipped with the skills and adaptability needed for the 21st century and beyond.

Some people would say that the cost of training at NCAT is on the high side. What is your take on this?

The cost of training at NCAT is highly subsidized and on the low side when compared to similar institutions in Nigeria and abroad. As an example, the College charges N15m for Standard Pilot Course, which includes feeding and accommodation for the whole two (2) years duration of the training. This is equivalent to US$20,000.00 only. Similar institutions in Nigeria charge N22m, while those abroad charge between US$50,000 to US$80,000.00, excluding feeding and accommodation.

Indeed, the issue of training costs is a valid concern, and we appreciate the feedback from our stakeholders. At the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), we understand the importance of providing high-quality, competency-based training solutions to our teeming participants. Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and we take our responsibility as a government-owned institution funded by taxpayers’ money very seriously.

The cost associated with delivering such quality training is significant, especially considering the recent economic challenges facing our nation. It is essential to clarify that the course fees we charge are not aimed at cost recovery but rather serve as a modest compliment to the funding provided by the government.

We recognize that affordability is a key consideration for our students, and we continually strive to strike a balance between maintaining the highest standards of training and ensuring accessibility to a wider range of learners. Our goal is to make world-class aviation training accessible to as many aspiring professionals as possible.

We also want to emphasize that the investments made in our training programs are investments in the future of aviation in Nigeria. By providing top-notch training, we contribute to the development of highly skilled aviation professionals who play vital roles in the industry’s growth and safety.

In conclusion, while we acknowledge that training costs may appear high, we remain committed to providing exceptional value and quality training to our students. We are continually exploring avenues to enhance affordability while upholding our standards, ultimately contributing to the advancement of aviation and aerospace development in Nigeria. ◙