Individuals and organisations in Nigeria’s aviation sector have expressed strong support for the proposed legislation to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja.
They made their positions known on Wednesday at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Aviation Technology.
Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector said the university would position Nigeria as Africa’s aviation research, training, and innovation hub.
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They described this as a strategic move to tackle the growing manpower shortage in the continent’s aviation and aerospace industries.
Ministry, stakeholders commend legislative move
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Abubakar, said the proposed university aligns with the ministry’s long-term vision to make Nigeria a global centre for aviation training.
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He explained that the AAAU, initiated in 2023, was conceived to bridge human capacity gaps and drive indigenous research in aviation and aerospace.
“The African Aviation and Aerospace University represents more than an educational institution; it is the future of aviation manpower development on the continent,” Mr Abubakar said.
He commended the National Assembly for advancing the bill, noting that legal backing would secure the university’s autonomy and ensure sustainability.
Milestones and institutional readiness
The university’s Governing Council Chairman, Bukar Aji, said the university had achieved significant milestones since its inception and deserved full legislative recognition.
He disclosed that the federal government had allocated 200 hectares of land along Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, as the university’s permanent site, with several structures already completed.
“The passage of this bill will boost confidence in the university’s credibility, attract global partnerships, and secure sustainable funding,” he said.
The university’s Registrar, Mustapha Abdullahi, said AAAU had obtained necessary accreditations from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), running seven accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
He noted that the institution had trained over 300 personnel from key aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), through executive capacity-building programmes.
“Our support for this bill is total. It will strengthen our mandate and help Nigeria meet Africa’s aviation manpower needs,” Mr Abdullahi.
The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Danjuma Ismail, said the new university would complement the college’s work by focusing on research and advanced academic training.
“Many aviation professionals lack access to postgraduate qualifications. The university will fill that gap,” he said, urging the National Assembly to expedite passage of the bill.
Air Force, lawmakers voice support
Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Abubakar, said the university would strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in aerospace technology and promote safety culture across the sector.
Citing forecasts from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Boeing’s 2024 report, he said Africa would require over 70,000 new aviation professionals between 2025 and 2044, including 23,000 pilots and 24,000 technicians, highlighting the urgency for structured training institutions.
“The establishment of AAAU is not just desirable, it is imperative,” Mr Abubakar said.
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, described the bill as a “major step toward transforming Nigeria’s aviation landscape.”
He said the initiative would reduce dependence on foreign training, promote innovation, and strengthen the country’s position as Africa’s aviation hub.
Chairman of the Committee, Tajudeen Abisodun, said the proposed law would institutionalise accountability and autonomy in aviation education.
“This university is not just for Nigeria, it is for Africa,” he said. “It’s a bold declaration that we are ready to lead, innovate, and educate at the highest levels.”
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