By Gloria Ikibah

Key players in Nigeria’s aviation sector have thrown their weight behind a proposed law to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja, describing the initiative as both strategic and long overdue.

The endorsement came on Thursday at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology, where stakeholders from government, academia, and industry converged to deliberate on the bill.

They agreed that the creation of the specialised institution would help tackle the persistent shortage of skilled professionals in the aviation and aerospace industry, which has long hampered growth across the continent.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, hailed the proposed university as a forward-looking intervention that aligns with the ministry’s long-term vision of positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation training and research hub.

He noted that the ministry initiated the idea of AAAU in 2023 to bridge critical gaps in human capacity and to boost indigenous innovation and technological development.
According to him, passing the proposed legislation would give AAAU a solid legal framework and the autonomy it needs to deliver on its core mandate, ensuring its sustainability for years to come.

“The establishment of this university is a visionary step that will provide the foundation for Nigeria to take its place as a leader in aviation training and research.

“The African Aviation and Aerospace University represents more than an educational institution; it is the future of aviation manpower development on the continent,” he said.

The minister commended the National Assembly for its foresight in giving legislative force to the university’s establishment, saying it would “strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s aviation and aerospace leader.”

Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, said the institution had recorded significant milestones since its inception and deserved full legal backing to consolidate its achievements.

He explained that the Federal Government had already allocated 200 hectares of land along Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, as the permanent site of the university, with several structures completed and relocation already in progress.

“The passage of this Bill will enhance confidence in the university’s credentials, attract global collaborations, and ensure sustainable funding mechanisms.

“It will also help Nigeria achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s leading aviation training and innovation hub”, Aji said.

Registrar of AAAU, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, who represented the management, staff, and students, noted that the university had made remarkable progress since commencing operations in 2023 with executive approval from the Federal Government.

He said AAAU had secured necessary accreditations from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and currently runs over seven accredited programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with pioneer postgraduate students set to graduate this year.

Abdullahi disclosed that the university had also conducted executive capacity-building programmes for key aviation agencies, training over 300 staff of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

“Our support for this Bill is total. It will provide the legal framework needed to expand our reach, attract global partnerships, and fulfill Nigeria’s and Africa’s aviation manpower needs”, he said.

The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Danjuma Ismail, said the college fully supports the establishment of AAAU, describing it as a complementary effort rather than a competing one.

He noted that while NCAT focuses on professional pilot and technical training, AAAU would fill the academic and research gaps by offering advanced degrees and fostering innovation in the aviation industry.

“Many aviation professionals lack access to postgraduate qualifications. The new university will provide that pathway.

“We are already collaborating with AAAU by providing instructors and technical support, and we urge the National Assembly to pass the Bill without delay”, he said.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, also supported the establishment of the university, stressing that aviation and aerospace disciplines require not just academic knowledge but also strong institutional culture of discipline, compliance, and safety.

He said the Nigerian Air Force, with its long-standing experience in aviation education, recognized the strategic value of AAAU in advancing national security, economic growth, and Africa’s regional leadership in aerospace technology.

Quoting data from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Boeing’s 2024 forecast, th said Africa would require over 70,000 new aviation professionals between 2025 and 2044—including 23,000 pilots and 24,000 technicians—underscoring the urgency of capacity development.

“The establishment of AAAU is not just desirable, it is imperative. But it must embed discipline in governance, curriculum, and student conduct to produce professionals who can meet global standards.”

In his opening remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the House Leader,  Rep. Julius Ihonvbhere,  described the initiative as a “major step toward transforming Nigeria’s aviation landscape.”

According to him,  the university will equip Nigerians with advanced skills, reduce dependence on foreign training, and encourage research that supports safety and innovation.

“This initiative will position Nigeria as a hub for aviation and aerospace in Africa. I urge all stakeholders to support this Bill so we can build a robust and sustainable aviation ecosystem”, Abbas stressed.

Earlier in his welcome address,  Chairman Committee on Aviation Technology, Rep. Tajudeen Abisodun, said the Bill represents a historic opportunity for Nigeria to lead the continent in aviation education, technology, and research.

He stressed that the university’s governance structure provides for integrity, accountability, and autonomy, enabling it to meet global standards.

“This university is not just for Nigeria, it is for Africa. It’s a bold declaration that we are ready to lead, innovate, and educate at the highest levels. Let us rise to this occasion with vision, unity, and purpose”, the Chairman stated.