The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has graduated 18 participants from The Gambia who successfully completed the Firefighter Initial Course No. 3 (FFI-03), strengthening aviation emergency response capabilities in the sub-region.
The graduation ceremony, held on August 20, 2026, at NCAT’s ultra-modern auditorium, marked the completion of a six-week programme designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to respond to and manage fire emergencies at airports.
Presenting the course appraisal, Course Coordinator and Instructor, Muhammad Buhari, said the training combined classroom instruction with practical exposure, including On-the-Job Training (OJT) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to Buhari, all 18 participants from The Gambia successfully completed the programme and passed their examinations, qualifying them for graduation from NCAT.
Representing the Rector and Chief Executive of NCAT, the Dean of Air Traffic Service/Communication, Malam Nasiru Mu’azu, formally declared the participants graduates of the College.
In his remarks, Prof. Jikanyi, who represented The Gambia, commended NCAT for its continued commitment to developing aviation professionals through quality training and skills development.
He expressed The Gambia’s appreciation for the knowledge and practical experience gained by the participants and reaffirmed the country’s willingness to continue sponsoring aviation personnel to NCAT for specialised training.
Jikanyi congratulated the graduates on reaching the milestone and urged them to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during their training to improve fire safety and emergency response operations in their respective fields.
The graduation further highlights NCAT’s role in supporting aviation capacity development beyond Nigeria, with specialised training programmes contributing to the development of skilled aviation professionals across Africa.
