May 12, (THEWILL) – The Chief Executive Officer of Starburst Aviation, UK, Capt. David Olubadewo, has urged the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to reconsider the planned decentralisation of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
Olubadewo, a former pilot instructor at NCAT, described the institution as a unique centre of excellence, noting that it holds the prestigious designation of an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Training Centre of Excellence (RTCE) and remains one of the best aviation schools in Africa.
“NCAT, as it is, is wonderful. It is one of the best in Africa, if not the best. Everything about it—its location, structure, and training—is unique,” Olubadewo said during an interview in Lagos. “Having studied aviation training models internationally, I can confidently say NCAT is highly valuable. Decentralisation is ill-advised.”
Rather than splitting the college into campuses, Olubadewo called for NCAT to be upgraded into a full-fledged aviation university, similar to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the United States, or affiliated with leading American institutions to bolster its global standing and RTCE status.
Recognising the growing demand for aviation education in Nigeria, the UK-based aviation executive proposed the creation of four additional aviation colleges across the country—one each in the South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East regions—to improve access for aspiring aviators from diverse backgrounds.
“There’s no need to dismantle NCAT. Let it remain as it is, and build new schools across the geopolitical zones. Aviation should be accessible to children from all walks of life, not just the wealthy,” he said.
Drawing from his personal story, Olubadewo recounted how his father became an aeronautical engineer through the help of ECWA missionaries, despite lacking the means to train abroad.
“We must not continue to limit children’s dreams because of their financial background,” he said. “If my father could do it, so can any child. Why should money stop someone from becoming a pilot or engineer?”
He warned that decentralising NCAT could create long-term inefficiencies and financial waste, predicting that future administrations might reverse the decision.
“It makes no sense; it’s a waste of money. I can guarantee that in 10 years, another Minister will come and merge them again,” he said.
Olubadewo further advocated the monetisation of NCAT’s training programmes and urged the Federal Government to compel aviation and allied agencies to patronise local training institutions instead of sending personnel abroad.
While acknowledging the contributions of the International Aviation College (IAC), Ilorin, as a complement to NCAT, he called on the Federal Government to strengthen partnerships and build capacity in both schools.
President Bola Tinubu had in December 2024 announced the decentralisation of NCAT into six campuses, a move that has sparked widespread debate. But Olubadewo insists that the better legacy would be creating new aviation institutions and expanding access—without dismantling an existing centre of excellence.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
