Olubadewo argued that fragmenting NCAT would be a misstep, potentially leading to increased costs and sustainability challenges that could be reversed by future administrations. He emphasized NCAT's current standing as an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Centre of Excellence, highlighting its reputation as one of the premier aviation training institutions on the African continent.
Drawing upon his experience as a former pilot instructor at NCAT Zaria and his observations of international aviation training institutions, Olubadewo passionately advocated for elevating NCAT to the status of a full-fledged university. He drew parallels with esteemed institutions like Embry-Riddle University in the United States, suggesting that NCAT could either be transformed into a similar degree-awarding institution or affiliated with leading American universities specializing in aviation. He posited that such a move would not only enhance NCAT's prestige but also significantly contribute to the development of a highly skilled aviation workforce in Nigeria.
"NCAT, as it is, is wonderful. It is one of the best in Africa, if not the best. Location-wise, everything about it is unique. It is a centre of excellence. Therefore, decentralisation is ill-advised," Olubadewo stated. "For me, I don’t believe the right thing is to split NCAT... it should be supported and upgraded to a proper university. Under his watch, it will be a fantastic legacy for him and Mr President."
He further cautioned against the financial implications of decentralization, predicting potential future reversals due to unsustainable operational costs. "It makes no sense; it’s just a waste of money. And I can guarantee you, in the next 10 years, one minister is going to come back and say, everybody, go back together," he asserted.
While firmly opposing the decentralization of NCAT, Olubadewo proposed a complementary strategy to broaden access to aviation education across Nigeria. He suggested the establishment of four new aviation schools strategically located in the South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East regions of the country. This initiative, he argued, would democratize access to aviation training, ensuring that aspiring professionals, regardless of their financial background, could pursue careers in various critical aviation fields.
"Create four schools around the country. Let us have as many air traffic controllers as possible, more pilots and more engineers, even meteorologists because meteorology is part of aviation; and it is not everyone that can afford to study abroad," Olubadewo concluded, underscoring the importance of expanding the pool of qualified aviation professionals in Nigeria. His recommendations present a two-pronged approach: strengthening the existing center of excellence while simultaneously extending educational opportunities to all regions of the nation.