NCAT Marks 2026 Workers’ Day, Announces Expansion Plans, Welfare Improvements
The Rector and Chief Executive of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Danjuma A Ismaila, joined staff and union members to commemorate the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at the College in Zaria.
The event brought together management, staff, and labour unions in recognition of workers’ contributions to the growth and international standing of the institution.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairperson of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, NCAT Branch, Comrade Edith Benjamin Asuke, commended the Rector for his continued support for union activities. She, however, called for further improvements in staff welfare and requested an extension of local training programmes to enhance capacity development.
In his goodwill message, the Registrar of the College, Alhaji Saidu Maigana, highlighted key achievements under the current administration, including programme accreditations by the National Board for Technical Education and the Aviation Accreditation Board International. He also noted support from Tertiary Education Trust Fund and Nigeria LNG Limited, as well as the allocation of land for a union secretariat.
Maigana urged staff to remain dedicated, stressing that the College’s continued progress depends on collective commitment.
In his address, Dr. Ismaila praised staff for their dedication, noting that their efforts earned the College international recognition at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium held in Morocco. He disclosed that the institution received awards for producing the highest number of trainees in the West and Central African region and for maintaining its International Civil Aviation Organization Platinum Status for the sixth consecutive year.
The Rector also announced plans to expand the College with new campuses in Abuja and Lagos, alongside a Memorandum of Understanding with South Sudan to strengthen aviation training cooperation.
On staff welfare, he assured employees of ongoing efforts to improve conditions of service, including a proposed salary review to align with sister agencies, renovation of staff quarters, and enhanced security within the College premises. He explained that shorter local training cycles would allow more staff to benefit from available programmes.
The celebration featured a colourful march past by major aviation unions, including the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, National Union of Air Transport Employees, Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, and ATSSSAN, symbolising unity and solidarity among workers in the aviation sector.
NCAT Marks 2026 Workers’ Day, Announces Expansion Plans, Welfare Improvements