The House of Representatives, along with key players in Nigeria’s aviation sector, has backed a proposed bill to create the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja.
The initiative is a significant step towards addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in the aviation and aerospace fields across Africa.
The support came after a public hearing held by the House Committee on Aviation Technology on Wednesday, during which experts from government, academia, and the private sector emphasized the university’s potential to make Nigeria a central hub for aviation research, innovation, and training on the continent.
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The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated that the establishment of AAAU aligns with the ministry’s long-term goal of making Nigeria a global center for aviation training.
“The African Aviation and Aerospace University is not just an educational institution; it symbolizes the future of workforce development in aviation across the continent,” Dr. Abubakar remarked, praising the National Assembly for its vision in supporting the initiative.
Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Alhaji Bukar Aji, revealed that the federal government has designated 200 hectares along the Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja, as the university’s permanent location, with several buildings already completed and the relocation process underway.
He emphasized that the passage of the bill would enhance the university’s credibility, attract international partnerships, and ensure sustainable funding.
“This will also help Nigeria realize its ambition of becoming Africa’s foremost aviation training and innovation center,” Aji noted.
The university’s Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, mentioned that the institution has received approvals from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The university currently offers seven accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with its first postgraduate cohort set to graduate this year.
He added that AAAU has trained over 300 personnel from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) through executive training programs.
“We fully support this bill. It will allow us to broaden our impact, attract global partnerships, and address Africa’s aviation workforce demands,” Abdullahi stated.
The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Danjuma Ismail described AAAU as a complementary institution to NCAT, highlighting that while NCAT focuses on technical and pilot training, AAAU will concentrate on advanced academic research and innovation.
