Nigeria is set to take a giant leap in aviation and aerospace education as the House of Representatives and key stakeholders have thrown their weight behind a proposed law to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja.
The endorsement came during a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Aviation Technology on Wednesday, where experts from government, academia, and the private sector described the initiative as a landmark step toward addressing Africa’s aviation manpower gap and positioning Nigeria as the continent’s aviation research hub.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, said the establishment of AAAU aligns with the ministry’s long-term vision to make Nigeria a global center for aviation training.
“The African Aviation and Aerospace University represents more than an educational institution—it is the future of aviation manpower development on the continent,” Abubakar said, commending the National Assembly for institutionalizing the project.
Chairman of the university’s governing council, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, revealed that the Federal Government had allocated 200 hectares along Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, as the university’s permanent site, with several structures already completed and relocation in progress. He said passing the Bill would boost the university’s global partnerships, funding, and credibility.
“It will also help Nigeria achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s leading aviation training and innovation hub,” Aji added.
Registrar Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi noted that AAAU already has approvals from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), offering seven accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The first set of postgraduate students will graduate this year, and over 300 aviation personnel from NCAA, NAMA, and NSIB have undergone executive training at the institution.
“Our support for this Bill is total. It will enable us to expand our reach, attract global collaborations, and meet Africa’s aviation manpower needs,” Abdullahi affirmed.
Capt. Danjuma Ismail, Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), said AAAU complements NCAT’s mission by offering higher academic and research-focused programs for professionals seeking postgraduate qualifications.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, also backed the initiative, citing ICAO and Boeing’s 2024 forecast that Africa will require over 70,000 new aviation professionals between 2025 and 2044, including 23,000 pilots and 24,000 technicians.
“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, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the university as a transformative project that would reduce foreign dependence and boost research-driven innovation in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“This university will equip Nigerians with advanced skills and position our nation as Africa’s aviation and aerospace hub,” Abbas said.
Committee Chairman Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun hailed the Bill as a “historic opportunity” for Nigeria to lead Africa in aviation education, training, and research.
“This university is not just for Nigeria; it is for Africa,” Abisodun said. “It’s a bold statement that we are ready to lead, innovate, and educate at the highest levels.”
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