Nigeria is taking bold steps toward achieving aviation self-sufficiency as the continent’s air transport industry continues its rapid expansion, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Keyamo described the institution’s establishment as timely, aligning with the federal government’s vision to build local capacity and technical expertise in aviation.
“African aviation is the fastest-growing sector. It is expected to grow so rapidly that Africa will soon be in dire need of professionals—pilots, aeronautical engineers, and air traffic controllers. We must be ahead of these dynamics. This could not have come at a better time,” Keyamo said.
The minister noted that the aviation industry is already grappling with a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly air traffic controllers. He urged the management of the new university to prioritize training in those critical areas.
“We are short-staffed in some key aspects of aviation, and even the Zaria college is struggling to meet the demand. We’ve had to recall retirees and extend their tenure. IBUAM must help bridge that gap,” he added.
Founder of the university, Isaac Balami, said IBUAM was created to meet Africa’s rising demand for aviation professionals.
“We are condensing 20 years of industry experience into a four- to five-year academic journey. Our curriculum includes digital simulation and hands-on training that meet global standards,” Balami explained.
He revealed that Africa currently faces an estimated shortfall of 65,000 aviation professionals over the next decade, while institutions in Nigeria and across the continent produce only a fraction of the needed workforce.
“Aviation College Zaria trains fewer than 500 aviators annually. Even leading countries like Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco can’t meet 20 percent of the demand,” he said.
The pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paul Jemitola, said IBUAM aims to nurture a new generation of aviation and management experts with strong technical and leadership skills.
“Every student will graduate not only with a degree but also with a Private Pilot’s Licence and International Aircraft Maintenance Certification recognized by both the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency,” Jemitola stated.
He added that the university will play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation education system and building the technical workforce required to sustain Africa’s growing air transport industry.
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