By Ahmad Saka
Former Director in the Ministry of Aviation, Captain Muhammad Bala Jibrin, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescind the decision on the balkanization of Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT), Zaria.
Also advised the President to cancel the approval for the new airstrip, and review the appointments to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure fairness and diversity. Captain Jibrin said this in an open letter sent to President Tinubu and copies made available to reporters in Bauchi.
He warned that decentralising the country’s foremost aviation institution into six regional centres is an ill-advised policy that threatens the aviation training synergy at NCAT that has been built over decades.
He explained that NCAT comprises six fully integrated schools—Flying, Air Traffic Control, Engineering, Aeronautical Communication, Aviation Management, and Emergency and Safety.
These departments, according to him, depend on one another to deliver quality training. “For instance, all trainees for Air Traffic Control must first obtain at least a Private Pilot License.
“This enables controllers to understand a pilot’s limits in any phase of flight.” Captain Jibrin said that the vital role of the Engineering School, it maintains aircraft used for pilot training, creating practical learning experiences for aviation mechanics. It is not enough to be taught theories or demonstrations by simulators. Training happens when aircraft are opened for inspection, fault tracing and repairs.”
Captain Jibrin said that the Emergency and Safety School plays a pivotal role in preparing every aviation stakeholder. He said safety procedures cover airports, airlines, hangars, and even concessionaires.
“In aviation, safety is very important, every trainee must take lessons from this school, whether they are pilots, engineers, or cabin crew.”
Captain Jibrin praised the fire-fighting simulator he encountered at NCAT two years ago, describing it as world-class, because he had previously seen similar systems showcased at a global aviation expo in Hanover, Germany.
He said the college is set to celebrate 60 years of continuous aviation training this year.
“The Hon. Minister has the law school in his mind, whereas the two entities are not the same. Malaria cannot be treated with anti-acid.” He rejected comparisons between NCAT and the Nigerian Law School, arguing that the nature of aviation education is different.
“Aviation training is physical, technical, and deeply collaborative. He also pointed to Zaria’s moderate weather, available land, and strategic location. These natural advantages allow for uninterrupted flight training, which is a major consideration in aviation instruction.
“The weather in Zaria is between the intense rains of the south and the harshness of the north,” he explained.
“Conditions support flying nearly 300 days a year. This, he said, is the same reason most flight training schools in the United States are located in Florida.
Jibrin warned that breaking up the school would damage the aviation training synergy at NCAT and urged President Tinubu to protect the institution’s legacy. Please rescind the decision and allow the college to remain where it is,” he appealed.
“Let it celebrate its 60th birthday at home, whole and united.” In the open letter to President Tinubu Captain Jibrin allegedly highlighted several infractions and breaches in the aviation sector under the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
.jpeg)
0 Comments