The House of Representatives, alongside key players in Nigeria’s aviation industry, has thrown its full support behind a proposed Bill seeking to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja.
The initiative was hailed as a groundbreaking step toward bridging Africa’s aviation and aerospace manpower gap.
The endorsement came during a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Aviation Technology on Wednesday, where stakeholders from government institutions, academia, and the private sector emphasized the university’s potential to make Nigeria a leading center for aviation research, innovation, and professional training on the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, said the establishment of AAAU aligns with the ministry’s long-term objective of positioning Nigeria as a global aviation training hub.
“The African Aviation and Aerospace University represents more than an educational institution, it is the future of aviation manpower development on the continent,”
Dr. Abubakar said, applauding the National Assembly for its foresight in institutionalizing the project.
Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, revealed that the Federal Government has already allocated 200 hectares of land along Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja as the permanent site for the institution.
He added that several structures have been completed, and relocation is in progress.
Aji further noted that passing the Bill would not only enhance the university’s global recognition but also attract international partnerships and secure long-term funding.
“It will also help Nigeria achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s leading aviation training and innovation hub,”
Aji stated.
According to the university’s Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, AAAU has received full approval from both the National Universities Commission and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The university currently offers seven accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with its first batch of postgraduate students expected to graduate this year.
He added that AAAU has successfully trained more than 300 personnel from key aviation agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) through specialized capacity-building programs.
“Our support for this Bill is total. It will enable us to expand our reach, attract global collaborations, and meet Africa’s aviation manpower needs,” Abdullahi said.
Also lending his voice, Capt. Danjuma Ismail, Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, described AAAU as a complementary institution to NCAT’s operations.
He noted that while NCAT focuses on pilot and technical training, AAAU would serve as the center for advanced academic research and innovation in aviation.
“Many aviation professionals lack access to postgraduate qualifications. The new university will provide that pathway,” he remarked, urging lawmakers to accelerate the Bill’s passage.
In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, underscored the strategic role AAAU would play in enhancing national security and boosting Nigeria’s influence in aerospace technology.
Quoting forecasts from the International Civil Aviation Organization and Boeing for 2024, he said Africa will require more than 70,000 new aviation professionals, including 23,000 pilots and 24,000 technicians, between 2025 and 2044.
“The establishment of AAAU is not just desirable—it is imperative. However, it must instill discipline, safety, and professionalism to produce globally competitive graduates,” he said.
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the initiative as a game-changer for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This university will equip Nigerians with advanced skills, reduce foreign dependence, and encourage research that drives innovation and safety. It positions Nigeria as Africa’s aviation and aerospace hub,” Abbas stated.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun, called the Bill a “historic opportunity” for Nigeria to take the lead in aviation education and research on the continent.
“This university is not just for Nigeria; it is for Africa. It’s a bold statement that we are ready to lead, innovate, and educate at the highest levels,” Abisodun declared.
