By ITOHAN ABARA-LASERIAN

Dr. Danjuma Ismaila, the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, has promised to address the infrastructure deficit limiting the institution?s realisation of its full potential.

Ismaila made the promise while welcoming members of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) who went for a week-long training at NCAT.

According to him, as the main aviation training institute in the country offering over 200 courses, the college lacks critical infrastructure to match the surge of professionals requiring periodical trainings.

He said that accommodation shortages were hindering the college?s ability to admit more professionals seeking training.

According to Ismaila, to mitigate this shortfall, a 150-room hostel is being constructed and would be completed soon.

?We have also tried to reposition ourselves in terms of acquisition of more facilities and equipment so that we can meet the training needs of many of our clients.

?Many airlines want us to acquire additional flight simulators.

?Most aviation professionals or pilots must renew their licence every six months, and this has to be done with full flight simulator training.?

The rector added that the college?s management was concluding plans to acquire an additional Boeing 737 flight simulation facility to boost training of pilots.

He said with more facilities, there could be reduction of aviation personnel travelling overseas for training.

On energy, he said: ?We are adopting decarbonisation policy to reduce dependence on energy sources that are emitting carbon to the environment or atmosphere.

?The United Nations is championing decarbonisation; so, the college is working toward adopting that policy to reduce carbon emissions.

?We may be going for solar, changing our vehicles to use CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) to also reduce carbon emissions.

He said that NCAT was embarking on an aggressive carbon emission programme in line the directives by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The rector thanked the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for annually developing the skill and knowledge base of aviation journalists.

The Chairman of LAAC, Mr. Idris Suleiman, urged NCAT management to continue to design programmes to meet the needs of airlines, aviation agencies and other players in the industry.

According to Suleiman, the training demonstrates collective commitment to excellence, capacity building and responsible journalism within the aviation sector.

?The role of aviation correspondents, particularly in an evolving industry like ours, cannot be overstated.

?They are the bridge between the industry and the public.

?This training is therefore an opportunity to deepen understanding, strengthen professional ethics and explore new trends in global aviation.

?The global aviation industry has, in recent times, witnessed fluctuations and undeniable changes in the level of patronage, expectations and realignments,? he said.

Suleiman said that airlines and regulatory authorities had had to review business decisions and policies.

?The toughness of the global economy was reflected in aircraft fleet renewals, cancellation of aircraft orders, changes in delivery dates by manufacturers and others,? Suleiman said.

According to him, the proposed airport concessions by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development will call for more training in the sector, opening more opportunities for NCAT.

?LAAC therefore wishes to use this forum to appeal to the various stakeholders and aviation authorities in the country to sustain their commitments toward the overall development of the sector.

?We live in a time when aviation is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology.

?It is critical that aviation journalists are equipped not only with factual accuracy but also with a nuanced appreciation of the technical and policy frameworks that govern this dynamic industry.?

Suleiman commended the management of NCAT for willingness to train LAAC members, and urged the members to take full advantage of the training opportunity to develop themselves. (NAN)