The Nigerian College of Aviation Aviation: NCAT Unveils Strategy to Combat Rising Poaching IncidentsTechnology (NCAT), Zaria, is working to introduce a binding agreement that would limit the poaching of its staff by sister agencies and private airlines. The proposed bond policy, aimed at retaining in-house talent, marks a decisive effort by the management to protect its investment in training and development.
The Rector of NCAT, Dr Danjuma Ismaila, made this known during a media interaction with aviation journalists over the weekend in Zaria. He expressed deep concern over the steady attrition of trained technical staff, who often leave the institution after acquiring certifications funded by the college, in pursuit of more lucrative employment opportunities.
“Most of our trained staff leave for greener pastures—private airlines and even regulatory bodies,” Ismaila stated. “We invest significantly in their training and licensing, only for them to be attracted elsewhere due to poor salary structure.”
To curb this trend, the rector revealed that the college plans to implement a service bond for its technical personnel. This bond will legally bind staff to remain with the institution for a specified duration after receiving certifications. Furthermore, discussions are underway with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure that technical certifications issued to NCAT personnel are limited to training roles within the institution.
Ismaila emphasized that the bond would not only foster staff retention but also enhance operational stability. “You have to stay here and work for us. We can’t continue spending millions training people who leave immediately after they’re licensed. That is not sustainable,” he said.
He added that NCAT had approached the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), advocating for a special salary structure to bridge the earnings gap between the college and private-sector aviation employers.
“Our lecturers and technicians are underpaid compared to their industry counterparts. We’ve asked for special considerations so we can at least close the wage gap and retain top talent,” he noted.
Beyond the poaching issue, Ismaila highlighted broader financial challenges that have stifled the institution’s growth. He disclosed that many of the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, such as its multi-million-naira flight simulator, remain underutilized due to a combination of licensing delays and budgetary constraints.
He revealed that the simulator, acquired five years ago, has yet to be certified for full operational use. However, progress is being made. “We’ve been in talks with the NCAA. They now have trained personnel who can certify the simulator. If they lack the full capacity, we’re encouraging partnerships with other aviation agencies,” he added.
Ismaila reiterated the importance of inter-agency cooperation in resolving systemic gaps within the aviation training ecosystem. “That’s the essence of collaboration. If one agency is weak in a particular area, another should step in. We’ve trained NCAA staff ourselves, so there’s room for mutual support.”
NCAT, established in 1964, has long served as Nigeria’s flagship aviation training institute. The school plays a vital role in producing skilled professionals for the nation’s aviation sector, including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and other technical personnel. However, the persistent challenge of retaining these skilled individuals has undermined its mission in recent years.
As NCAT pushes forward with its bond initiative and salary restructuring campaign, stakeholders in the aviation sector are watching closely. The success of these measures could determine whether Nigeria retains the local capacity needed to sustain its aviation growth ambitions.
The Federal Government is also expected to support the institution’s call for improved funding and workforce policies, especially as Nigeria seeks to become a regional hub for aviation excellence.
If implemented effectively, NCAT’s new strategy could set a precedent for other public training institutions grappling with brain drain and resource underutilization.