…cite urgent need to bridge manpower gap
The House of Representatives and stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have unanimously endorsed the proposed legislation to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja, describing it as a landmark initiative that will tackle the severe manpower deficit in the aviation and aerospace industry across Africa.
The endorsement came during a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology on Wednesday where experts from government, academia, and the private sector highlighted the university’s potential to transform Nigeria into a continental hub for aviation research, innovation, and training.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, said the creation of AAAU aligns with the ministry’s long-term vision to position Nigeria as a global aviation training center.
He explained that the university, which began operations in 2023, was conceived to close the human capacity gap in the aviation industry and promote indigenous research and innovation. According to him, enacting a legal framework for the institution would provide the autonomy and stability needed to fulfill its mandate.
“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, commending the National Assembly for its foresight in institutionalizing the project.
Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, disclosed that the Federal Government had allocated 200 hectares of land along Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, as the university’s permanent site, with several structures already completed and relocation underway.
He stressed that passing the Bill would strengthen the university’s credentials, attract global partnerships, and ensure sustainable funding.
“It will also help Nigeria achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s leading aviation training and innovation hub,” Aji stated.
Also speaking, AAAU Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, said the university had secured necessary approvals from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The institution currently runs seven accredited programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with its first postgraduate students set to graduate this year.
He added that the university had trained over 300 personnel from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) through executive capacity-building programmes.
“Our support for this Bill is total,” Abdullahi said. “It will enable us to expand our reach, attract global collaborations, and meet Africa’s aviation manpower needs.”
Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Danjuma Ismail, described the proposed institution as complementary to NCAT’s work, noting that while NCAT provides technical and pilot training, AAAU will focus on advanced academic research and innovation.
“Many aviation professionals lack access to postgraduate qualifications. The new university will provide that pathway,” he said, urging lawmakers to fast-track the Bill’s passage.
Supporting the proposal, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, underscored the strategic importance of the university in strengthening national security and advancing Nigeria’s leadership in aerospace technology.
Citing ICAO and Boeing’s 2024 forecast, he noted that Africa will require over 70,000 new aviation professionals between 2025 and 2044, including 23,000 pilots and 24,000 technicians, stressing that the time to build capacity is now.
“The establishment of AAAU is not just desirable—it is imperative,” he said. “However, it must instill discipline, safety, and professionalism to produce globally competitive graduates.”
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the initiative as a transformative step toward reshaping Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
“This university will equip Nigerians with advanced skills, reduce foreign dependence, and encourage research that drives innovation and safety,” he said. “It positions Nigeria as Africa’s aviation and aerospace hub.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun, described the Bill as a “historic opportunity” for Nigeria to lead Africa in aviation education and research.
“This university is not just for Nigeria it is for Africa,” Abisodun declared. “It’s a bold statement that we are ready to lead, innovate, and educate at the highest levels.”
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