CEO Urges Reconsideration of NCAT Decentralisation Plan

Strategic Insights -

Capt. David Olubadewo, the Chief Executive Officer of Starburst Aviation, UK, has expressed concerns over the proposed decentralisation of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria. Olubadewo, a former pilot instructor at NCAT, views the institution as a unique centre of excellence, citing its International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Training Centre of Excellence (RTCE) designation and its status as one of the best aviation schools in Africa. He argues that decentralisation is ill-advised and proposes instead that NCAT be upgraded into a full-fledged aviation university or affiliated with leading American institutions. Olubadewo also suggests establishing four additional aviation colleges across Nigeria to increase access to aviation education for aspiring aviators from diverse backgrounds.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed decentralisation of NCAT into six campuses has sparked debate, with CEO Capt. David Olubadewo advocating for a reconsideration of the plan.
  • Olubadewo believes NCAT is a unique centre of excellence, holding the prestigious ICAO RTCE designation, and one of the best aviation schools in Africa.
  • He suggests upgrading NCAT into a full-fledged aviation university or affiliating it with leading American institutions to bolster its global standing and RTCE status.
  • Olubadewo proposes the creation of four additional aviation colleges across Nigeria to increase access to aviation education for aspiring aviators from diverse backgrounds.
  • He warns that decentralising NCAT could create long-term inefficiencies and financial waste, and predicts that future administrations might reverse the decision.
  • Olubadewo advocates for the monetisation of NCAT's training programmes and urges the Federal Government to compel aviation and allied agencies to patronise local training institutions instead of sending personnel abroad.

Statistics:

  • NCAT has been designated as an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Training Centre of Excellence (RTCE).
  • The institution is considered one of the best aviation schools in Africa.
  • Four additional aviation colleges are proposed to be established across Nigeria.
  • The proposed decentralisation of NCAT into six campuses has been announced by President Bola Tinubu (Source: [1]).

Sources:

  • [1] The Nation (Not explicitly dated, but referenced as a recent news article)

Please note that The Nation is not explicitly dated, so I have not added a date. This information is consistent with the original source text.