Choosing the right aviation schools in Nigeria starts with one question: what aviation career do you want? A student who wants to become a commercial pilot needs a different training path from someone who wants to work in cabin crew, flight dispatch, aircraft maintenance, airport operations, aviation management, or aviation security.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is the regulator responsible for aviation safety oversight in Nigeria, and its current Approved Training Organizations list should be checked before choosing any aviation training provider.
This guide explains the top aviation schools in Nigeria and their fees, the most reliable official fee figures available, admission requirements, aviation schools in Abuja, and the steps to apply. Where schools publish official fees, the figures are stated clearly. Where current tuition is not published on an official school page, the article directs applicants to confirm directly from the school.
Key Highlights: Top Aviation Schools in Nigeria and Their Fees
The most clearly verified pilot-training fees found during this review are from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. NCAT’s 2025 course calendar lists the Standard Pilot Course at ₦23,225,200, Private Pilot Licence at ₦8,000,000, Commercial Pilot Licence Abridged at ₦12,000,000, Instrument Rating at ₦5,000,000, Multi-Engine Rating at ₦5,500,000, and Night Rating at ₦2,500,000 (exclusive of accommodation).
International Aviation College, Ilorin, lists Private Pilot Licence and Commercial Pilot Licence courses, but its official course pages currently state that the course fee is “Available on Request.” Its admissions page also states that admission is currently not open and that applicants should wait for an official announcement before registration begins.
For non-pilot aviation careers, schools such as Landover Aviation Business School and Universal School of Aviation are more relevant because they focus on aviation management, travel and tourism, cabin crew, cargo, dispatch, airside safety, and related aviation operations. Landover is listed by IATA as an Authorized Training Center in Lagos, and Universal School of Aviation is also approved by the NCAA with approval number ATO/AA/011.
Top Aviation Schools in Nigeria and Their Fees
Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria
The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology is one of Nigeria’s most important aviation training institutions. NCAT describes its mission as providing professionals and personnel for the aviation industry through training and related services for safe transportation in line with international standards.
NCAT is the strongest option for students who want a structured aviation-training institution with flying school courses, aircraft maintenance engineering, aviation management, air traffic services, aeronautical telecommunications, and airport emergency training. Its official website lists these training categories under its programmes.
For fees, NCAT provides transparent official figures. The Standard Pilot Course is listed at ₦23,225,200, Private Pilot Licence at ₦8,000,000, Commercial Pilot Licence Abridged at ₦12,000,000, Instrument Rating at ₦5,000,000, Multi-Engine Rating at ₦5,500,000, and Night Rating at ₦2,500,000 (exclusive of accommodation).
NCAT is best for applicants who want pilot training, aircraft maintenance, air traffic services, aviation management, or other formal aviation programmes in a government-backed aviation training environment.
International Aviation College, Ilorin
International Aviation College, Ilorin, is a major option for pilot training in Nigeria. Its official course pages list Private Pilot Licence Airplane and Commercial Pilot Licence Airplane, with additional courses such as Flight Dispatcher, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and Night Rating.
The school states that its Private Pilot Licence course runs for six months and is approved by the Nigerian CAA. It also states that applicants must be at least 17 years old, hold a valid Class II medical certificate at the start of the course, and have completed O’Level secondary school certificate requirements.
The Commercial Pilot Licence course runs for 18 months, and applicants must already possess a valid Private Pilot Licence, be at least 17 years old, and hold a valid Class 1 medical certificate at the start of the course. The official course page states that the CPL course fee is available on request.
Applicants should also note that IAC’s official admissions page currently says admission is not open and that an announcement will be made when registration begins. The same page states that applicants for Standard Pilot and Flight Dispatcher programmes are expected to pay ₦100,000 as the application fee when the process is active.
Landover Aviation Business School, Lagos
Landover Aviation Business School is better suited to aviation business, airline operations, travel, tourism, cargo, safety, and airport-support training than full pilot licensing. The school states that it is an NCAA Approved Training Organization and an IATA Authorized Training Centre.
IATA’s official training network lists Landover Aviation Business School as an Authorized Training Center with authorization code LAB, located at 17 Simbiat Abiola Street, Ikeja, Lagos. IATA also lists courses offered through the school, including Aircraft Marshalling and Ramp Hand Signals, Airport Emergency Response Awareness, Basic Airside Safety, Cargo Introductory Diploma, Foundation in Travel and Tourism with Amadeus Diploma, Managing the Travel Business Diploma, Safety Management Systems Fundamentals, and Travel and Tourism Consultant.
Landover is a strong option for students who want aviation operations, cargo, travel consulting, ramp safety, airside safety, and aviation-management careers.
Universal School of Aviation
Universal School of Aviation is relevant for students seeking aviation operations, travel, ticketing, cabin crew, and airport-service training. The school states that it is approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority with approval number ATO/AA/011.
Universal School of Aviation is not the same type of institution as a full pilot-training college. It is more useful for applicants who want to work in areas such as airline support services, travel agencies, airport operations, cabin crew support, and related aviation-service roles.
Students considering Universal School of Aviation should confirm the current course list, tuition, campus location, and admission schedule directly from the school before payment.
African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja
African Aviation and Aerospace University is useful for students searching for aviation schools in Abuja, especially those interested in degree-based aviation education rather than immediate pilot licensing. The university lists undergraduate programmes in B.Sc. Aviation Business and B.Sc. Meteorology.
The university’s undergraduate admission page states that UTME candidates need credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or acceptable equivalents in Mathematics, English, and three other relevant subjects at not more than two sittings. It also lists a JAMB pass mark of not less than 180 for the 2024 UTME cycle.
AAAU is a better fit for students interested in aviation business, meteorology, air transport management, aviation safety, and academic aviation pathways.
Aviation Schools in Abuja
Abuja has aviation-related options, but applicants should separate degree-based aviation education from pilot licensing. African Aviation and Aerospace University offers B.Sc. Aviation Business and B.Sc. Meteorology, as well as postgraduate programmes such as M.Sc. Air Transport Management, M.Sc. Meteorology, and M.Sc. Air Safety Management.
Universal School of Aviation has also been reported to have NCAA approval for an Abuja satellite campus, but students should confirm current campus operation, approved courses, and admission status directly from the school before enrolling.
For Abuja-based applicants who want a pilot licence, the key question is not just whether a school is “in Abuja.” The more important question is whether the school is currently approved for the specific training programme the student wants. NCAA’s Approved Training Organizations list is the best starting point for that verification.
Some Aviation Schools in Abuja and Their Locations
1. Aviation Schools in Nigeria (Abuja): African Aviation & Aerospace University (AAAU)
Location: Bill Clinton Drive, near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (FCT).
Courses: Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in aviation business, meteorology, and related aviation fields.
2. Aviation Schools in Nigeria (Abuja): Midas Flying Training School
Location: 5th Floor, NACRDB Plaza, Central Business District, Abuja (FCT).
Courses: Aviation training consultancy and diploma programmes in aviation management.
3. Aviation Schools in Nigeria (Abuja): Mish Aviation Flying School
Location: Block 4, Flat 1, Gwaram Close, Off Abakaliki Street, Garki Area 3, Abuja (FCT).
Courses: Flight operations, aviation administration, personnel training, and consultancy.
4. Aviation Schools in Nigeria (Abuja): College of Aviation & Management Studies
Location: Suite 209, Chatti Plaza, Sapele Street, Garki Area 2, Abuja (FCT).
Courses: Pilot training and aviation management programmes.
5. Aviation Schools in Nigeria (Abuja): Concept Training College of Aviation
Location: Nyanya, Abuja (FCT).
Courses: Diploma programmes in aviation technology, air navigation, and aviation management.
Note: Most of these institutions offer vocational/diploma and management-focused programmes. Prospective students should verify current NCAA accreditation, facilities, and licensing pathways directly with the schools.
Aviation Schools Requirements in Nigeria
Aviation school requirements in Nigeria depend on the programme. Pilot training usually requires stronger academic, medical, and licensing preparation than cabin crew, ticketing, travel, or aviation-management courses.
For International Aviation College, the official admissions page states that applicants need at least five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics. It also says Physics and Geography can be added advantages, pilot-course applicants must be 17 years old, and Flight Dispatcher applicants must be at least 21 years old.
For the IAC Private Pilot Licence course, applicants must be at least 17 years old, possess a valid Class II medical certificate at the start of the course, and have completed O’Level secondary school certificate requirements.
The IAC Commercial Pilot Licence course requires applicants to have a valid Private Pilot Licence, be at least 17 years old, and possess a valid Class 1 medical certificate at the start of the course.
For degree programmes at African Aviation and Aerospace University, UTME applicants must have credit passes in Mathematics, English, and relevant subjects, with subject combinations depending on whether the applicant is applying for Aviation Business or Meteorology.
How Much Does Aviation School Cost in Nigeria?
Aviation school cost in Nigeria depends on whether the student is pursuing pilot training, a rating, cabin crew training, flight dispatch, aviation management, travel and tourism, airside safety, or a degree programme.
For pilot training, NCAT provides the clearest official benchmark. The Standard Pilot Course is ₦23,225,200, PPL is ₦8,000,000, CPL Abridged is ₦12,000,000, Instrument Rating is ₦5,000,000, Multi-Engine Rating is ₦5,500,000, and Night Rating is ₦2,500,000.
For International Aviation College, the official PPL and CPL pages do not publish current tuition; both pages state that the course fee is available on request.
Because aviation training costs can change with aircraft operating costs, exchange rates, accommodation, feeding, examination fees, and aircraft-hour requirements, applicants should confirm the exact current fee with the school before paying.
IAC’s official fee document for its Standard Pilot Course also notes that students may be required to pay additional fees if aircraft rates or the dollar-naira exchange rate changes.
How to Apply for Aviation Schools in Nigeria
The first step is to choose the correct aviation pathway. A student who wants to become a commercial pilot should look for approved flight training, while someone interested in airport operations, cargo, travel, tourism, cabin crew, or aviation management may be better served by an aviation business school or university programme.
NCAA’s Part 3 regulations cover the certification and administration of Approved Training Organizations.
The second step is to verify approval. NCAA’s current Approved Training Organizations page shows an issue date and effective date of April 1, 2024, and marks the list as current. Applicants should check that list before paying any aviation school.
The third step is to check entry requirements. For example, IAC requires five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics, a minimum age of 17 for the pilot course, and a minimum age of 21 for the Flight Dispatcher course.
The fourth step is to prepare documents and follow the school’s application process. IAC states that prospective students should pay the application fee when admission is active, obtain or download the form, fill it, submit the hard copy with evidence of payment, and wait for a qualifying examination invitation if shortlisted.
How to Become a Commercial Pilot in Nigeria
To become a commercial pilot in Nigeria, the applicant must follow a structured licensing path through approved aviation training. A common route is to complete PPL training first, then proceed to CPL training and relevant ratings such as Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and Night Rating.
IAC’s official CPL course page states that applicants must already hold a valid Private Pilot Licence before starting its Commercial Pilot Licence course. It also states that the CPL course runs for 18 months and requires a valid Class 1 medical certificate at the start of the course.
NCAT’s official fee calendar gives a useful cost benchmark for this pathway: PPL is ₦8,000,000, CPL Abridged is ₦12,000,000, Instrument Rating is ₦5,000,000, Multi-Engine Rating is ₦5,500,000, and Night Rating is ₦2,500,000.
Commercial pilot applicants should also plan for medical checks, examinations, ratings, aircraft-hour requirements, and school-specific administrative costs. IAC’s Standard Pilot Course fee document notes that additional fees may arise if aircraft rates or exchange rates change.
How to Choose the Best Aviation Schools in Nigeria
The best aviation school is the one that matches the student’s career goal and is properly approved for the intended course. Pilot applicants should prioritise approved flight training, aircraft availability, instructor quality, medical requirements, licence pathway, ratings, and transparent fee structure.
Students interested in aviation business, cargo, ticketing, tourism, airport operations, and airside safety should compare schools like Landover Aviation Business School, Universal School of Aviation, and relevant university programmes.
IATA lists Landover as an Authorized Training Center and shows specific courses in cargo, airside safety, airport emergency response, travel, and tourism.
Students interested in aviation business or meteorology degrees should consider AAAU’s undergraduate programmes, especially B.Sc. Aviation Business and B.Sc. Meteorology. AAAU’s official undergraduate page lists the admission subjects required for these programmes.
Before choosing any school, applicants should confirm four things: NCAA approval for the exact course, current tuition, course duration, and whether the programme leads to a licence, rating, certificate, diploma, or degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best aviation school in Nigeria?
NCAT Zaria is the strongest overall aviation school in Nigeria for students seeking a broad aviation training institution with published official fees and multiple aviation training categories. Its official site lists flying school, aircraft maintenance engineering, aviation management, air traffic services, aeronautical telecommunications, and airport emergency training among its programme areas.
How much does it cost to become a pilot in Nigeria?
The most reliable official figures reviewed are from NCAT. Its 2025 course calendar lists the Standard Pilot Course at ₦23,225,200, PPL at ₦8,000,000, CPL Abridged at ₦12,000,000, Instrument Rating at ₦5,000,000, Multi-Engine Rating at ₦5,500,000, and Night Rating at ₦2,500,000.
Is International Aviation College admission open now?
International Aviation College’s official admissions page currently states that admission is not open and that the college will make an official announcement once registration begins. Applicants should therefore check the school’s admissions page before paying or submitting any form.
What are the requirements for aviation school in Nigeria?
Requirements depend on the course. IAC requires at least five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics for admission, with Physics and Geography listed as added advantages. Its PPL course requires a minimum age of 17, an O’Level secondary school certificate, and a valid Class II medical certificate at the start of the course.
Can I study aviation in Abuja?
Yes. African Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja offers undergraduate programmes in B.Sc. Aviation Business and B.Sc. Meteorology, and its website also lists postgraduate programmes in Air Transport Management, Meteorology, and Air Safety Management.
How do I know if an aviation school is approved in Nigeria?
Check the NCAA Approved Training Organizations list before applying. The NCAA page identifies the current list as an NCAA ATO document, with an issue date and effective date of April 1, 2024, and marks it as current.
Top Aviation Schools in Nigeria and Their Fees in 2026 (Estimated)
This section reveals estimated fees for the top aviation schools in Nigeria. The information is based on data obtained across the web, not from official sources, except for the NCAT, Zaria fees. Applicants are therefore advised to confirm the fees of these programs from their chosen institutions vefore making a major decision.
| School | Estimated Fees | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) | ₦8,000,000 – ₦23,225,200+ | Zaria |
| International Aviation College (IAC) | ₦1,500,000 – ₦14,000,000 | Ilorin |
| Dhaewood Aviation Business School (DABS) | ₦250,000 – ₦2,000,000 | Lagos |
| Universal School of Aviation (USA) | ₦250,000 – ₦1,800,000 | Lagos |
| Sky Aviation Training Center (SATC) | ₦200,000 – ₦1,600,000 | Lagos |
| Aeroconsult Aviation Training Centre | ₦95,000 – ₦1,400,000 | Lagos |
| Aeroport College of Aviation and Travel Management (ACATM) | ₦700,000 – ₦1,200,000 | Lagos |
| Crew Training Institute (CTI) | ₦300,000 – ₦1,000,000 | Lagos |
| Landover Aviation Business School (LABS) | ₦250,000 – ₦900,000 | Lagos |
| Javi Aviation Support Services & Training School (JASSTS) | ₦185,000 – ₦700,000 | Lagos |
Top Aviation Schools in Nigeria: Conclusion
The top aviation schools in Nigeria serve different career paths. NCAT Zaria is the clearest benchmark for pilot training and official fee transparency. International Aviation College Ilorin is a recognised pilot-training option, but its current PPL and CPL course fees are available on request and its admissions page currently states that admission is not open.
Landover Aviation Business School is suitable for IATA-linked aviation business and operations courses, Universal School of Aviation is relevant for non-flying aviation careers, and African Aviation and Aerospace University is a strong Abuja-based option for degree-level aviation education.
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