ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu has announced a landmark restructuring of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria | NCAT Zaria, Kaduna State, with plans to establish six campuses across the country’s geopolitical zones.
This decision represents a major shift in aviation education and training in Nigeria, which until now had been concentrated in Zaria.
Under the new arrangement, the campuses will be strategically located in Ondo for the Southwest, Osubi in Delta for the South-South, Ebonyi for the Southeast, Ilorin for the North Central, Yola for the Northeast, while Zaria will continue to serve the Northwest.
The initiative is aimed at decentralizing aviation training, improving efficiency, and widening access for young Nigerians aspiring to build careers in the sector.
Delta State has welcomed the siting of one of the colleges at Osubi, describing it as a strategic choice that will boost both regional and national development.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, speaking through state officials, commended the federal government’s decision and stressed that the choice of Osubi aligns with the state’s vision of expanding opportunities for its youths, strengthening transport infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for private sector participation.
With Osubi Airport already serving as a gateway for the oil and gas industry and for commercial activities within the Warri–Effurun axis, the aviation college is expected to transform the area into a major hub for aviation training in the South-South.
State authorities have assured that they will provide the necessary support in infrastructure, security, and partnerships to ensure the institution’s success.
The presence of the aviation school in Delta is projected to stimulate economic growth by attracting investment, expanding commerce, and boosting the hospitality and housing sectors.
It will also open up new avenues for employment, not only through academic and technical staffing but also by equipping young people with critical skills in aviation technology, aircraft maintenance, and flight operations.
Furthermore, the Osubi aviation college is expected to enhance national integration by attracting students from across Nigeria, thereby fostering unity and cultural exchange.
Its proximity to the oil and gas sector also means it will play a vital role in supporting offshore and onshore operations that rely heavily on aviation services.
For Delta State, the establishment of the Osubi aviation campus is more than an educational milestone;
it is a development that reinforces the state’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s transport and energy sectors while preparing a new generation of professionals to drive the growth of the aviation industry.
