Aviation
Reps Back Bill to Establish Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja
The House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind a Bill seeking to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja, describing it as a transformative step toward bridging the manpower gap in Africa’s aviation and aerospace industries.
During a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Aviation Technology on Wednesday, lawmakers and aviation experts from both public and private sectors praised the initiative as a bold move to position Nigeria as the continent’s aviation research and training hub.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, said the proposed university aligns with the government’s vision to make Nigeria a global aviation training center.
“The African Aviation and Aerospace University represents more than an educational institution—it is the future of aviation manpower development on the continent,”
— Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar.
Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, revealed that the Federal Government has allocated 200 hectares of land along Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja as the permanent site for the institution, with several completed structures already in place. He emphasized that passing the Bill would strengthen the university’s global recognition, attract funding, and ensure long-term sustainability.
“It will help Nigeria achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s leading aviation training and innovation hub,”
— Aji stated.
The university’s Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, disclosed that AAAU has received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The institution currently runs seven undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with its first postgraduate cohort set to graduate this year.
Abdullahi added that AAAU has already trained over 300 aviation professionals from agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
“Our support for this Bill is total. It will enable us to expand globally and meet Africa’s aviation manpower needs,”
— Dr. Abdullahi.
Capt. Danjuma Ismail, Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), noted that AAAU will complement NCAT’s technical and pilot training by focusing on academic research and innovation.
“Many aviation professionals lack access to postgraduate qualifications. The new university will provide that pathway,”
— Capt. Ismail.
Supporting the proposal, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, said the institution would play a strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s security and aerospace technology. Citing ICAO and Boeing’s 2024 forecast, he noted that Africa will need over 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,”
— Air Marshal Abubakar.
Opening the session, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, commended the initiative as a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
“This university will equip Nigerians with advanced skills, reduce foreign dependence, and promote research that drives innovation and safety,”
— Speaker Abbas.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun, called the Bill a “historic opportunity” for Nigeria to lead in aviation education and research.
“This university is not just for Nigeria; it’s for Africa. It’s a bold statement that we are ready to lead, innovate, and educate at the highest levels,”
— Hon. Abisodun.
If approved, the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) will become the first of its kind in Africa dedicated exclusively to aviation and aerospace studies, boosting Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for aviation innovation and education.
