The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedicated focus on human capital development within the aviation sector. This commitment was highlighted as the Governor received official admission forms from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
The forms were presented at the Governor’s Office by the Special Adviser on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, following a three-day strategic working visit to the aviation institution in Kaduna State. The visit, facilitated by the Governor, aimed to foster a partnership to equip Cross River indigenes with specialized skills for the burgeoning aviation industry.
Speaking to journalists after the presentation, Ambassador Caleb noted that this initiative is a direct reflection of Governor Otu’s “People-First” philosophy. He emphasized that the administration is prioritizing indigenous capacity building to ensure that the people of Cross River are not left behind in the global aviation landscape.
READ ALSO: JAMB examination: Police deploy 60 personnel to monitor process in Anambra
“The Governor remains committed to positioning Cross River indigenes to take advantage of emerging opportunities,” Caleb stated. He further revealed that discussions with NCAT management explored the possibility of establishing a campus of the institution within Cross River State to expand access to technical expertise.
The secured training programs cover a comprehensive range of disciplines, including Professional Piloting, Air Traffic Engineering, Cabin Crew and Air Hostess Training, Flight Instruction, Aircraft Certification, among others.
The Special Adviser linked these training efforts to the state’s recent acquisition of two CRJ-1000 aircraft. He argued that investing in human capacity is critical to sustaining the state’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring that indigenous professionals are available to manage and maintain these assets safely and efficiently.
Governor Otu commended the Office of the Special Adviser and reiterated his resolve to empower the youth through technical competence. In a show of inter-departmental synergy, the Commissioner for Aviation, Capt. Imah Eno Utum (Rtd), pledged the ministry’s full collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of these policies.
This state-level initiative coincides with a major federal restructuring of NCAT. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has approved the decentralization of aviation education to promote regional equity.
NCAT is set to expand from its original base in Zaria to six campuses across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Industry analysts suggest that Cross River’s proactive engagement with NCAT positions the state advantageously to benefit from this federal decentralization. By preparing a skilled workforce now, the state is likely to attract further aviation resources, stimulate local economic growth, and create sustainable employment opportunities for its citizens.
