Tinubu Splits Aviation College into Six Regional Campuses
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the restructuring of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, into six campuses spread across the country’s geopolitical zones.
The move, highlighted in the 2025 federal budget and echoed by the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is aimed at decentralising aviation training and making it more accessible nationwide.
Under the new arrangement, Zaria in Kaduna State will retain its position as the headquarters for the North-West, while five new campuses will be established in Akure (South-West), Osubi in Delta State (South-South), Ebonyi State (South-East), Ilorin in Kwara State (North-Central), and Yola in Adamawa State (North-East).
About ₦3.68 billion has reportedly been earmarked in the national budget for the implementation of the plan.
The initiative is expected to boost operational efficiency, create equal opportunities for aspiring aviators across regions, and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has often been criticised for limited training infrastructure concentrated in one location.
Reactions to the development have been largely positive. Civil society organisations, particularly the Civil Society on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiatives (CSCHEI), praised the decision, describing it as a step towards regional equity and improved access to specialised education.
They also noted its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, decent work, and climate action.
For industry stakeholders, the expansion marks a turning point in aviation training, opening doors for more pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals to be trained closer to their regions.
It also signals the government’s renewed commitment to transforming the sector and positioning Nigeria as a stronger hub for aviation in Africa.
The establishment of the new campuses is expected to roll out in phases as budgetary allocations are implemented, with attention on ensuring that each zone benefits from world-class facilities and industry-standard training.
