The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology has called on the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria to continue to play by the highest standards of safety in the training of pilots and other aviation personnel, saying that in the industry, there is no substitute for standard.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Thomas Eriyetomi gave the warning on Thursday during an interactive session with the Management staff of the institution at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Rector of the College, Capt Modibbo Alkali had called on the lawmakers to help them through legislative intervention to improve on their salary structure which he described as the lowest compared to sister agencies.

He added that NCAT was not a profit generating institution and as a result, depends fully on the Federal Government for funding.

He noted that though it takes two years to train a pilot, he noted that sometimes, students stay up to five years due to “some reasons.”

He promised to fully take advantage of the media to publicise the activities of the school, given it’s standing as the number one aviation training institute in Africa. Asked to explain the reasons, the rector said, “All fingers are not equal.

These students don’t have the same ability. So, some may not be able to finish within two years. Flying is not writing to pass examinations.”

The explanation did not go down well with the committee as the Chairman noted that it was wrong to keep students who could not graduate within the stipulated time in the school as they could have the ability for other disciplines apart from flying.

NCAT, he noted, observed federal character principle in the constitution of its management cadre, adding that some of the Heads of Schools were unable to attend the interactive session because of other pressing engagements.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Committee pledged his commitment to ensure effective oversight responsibility of all Nigerian Airspace and the aviation sector at large. (Daily Independent)