The Niger State Government has pledged N5 billion as seed funding to construct classrooms and hostels for the reactivation of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) mini-campus at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago made the commitment when he received the management team of NCAT, Zaria, during their visit to the airport. He explained that reviving the campus would provide opportunities for students to study aviation-related courses locally, thereby reducing the high costs of training abroad.
The governor reiterated his administration’s vision to position the Minna airport as a hub for both aviation and agriculture, while also promising further investments to expand its facilities.
On his part, NCAT Rector, Dr. Danjuma Adamu, praised the ongoing remodeling of the airport and acknowledged the state government’s efforts. He noted that reviving the campus would strengthen collaboration with Niger State and boost personnel training, especially in agro-aviation and related fields.
He explained that the College of Aviation, established in 1964, has grown into six specialized schools, covering flight operations, air traffic control, aeronautical telecommunications engineering, airport emergency and training, and aircraft aviation management. The Rector added that the Minna campus, when reactivated, would play a vital role in expanding the institution’s training reach.
During the visit, the NCAT team inspected the aviation fuel depot and housing units within the airport. Governor Bago announced that both facilities would be demolished to make way for a modern housing development that addresses the state’s housing deficit.
The revival of the mini-campus comes against the backdrop of recent developments at the airport. In April 2025, the Federal Government launched commercial flight operations by Overland Airways at the reconstructed facility. At the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development described the airport as a strategic alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, noting its potential to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen Niger State’s contribution to national GDP, particularly in agriculture.
