AAAU will reduce dependence on foreign training, says Tajudeen
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen said that the establishment of African Aviation and Aerospace University would not only equip Nigerians with advance skills, but reduce dependence on foreign training.
Tajudeen, represented by the Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvhere, said this while declaring open a public hearing by the House Committee on Aviation Technology in Abuja.
The Speaker, however, described the initiative as a “major step toward transforming Nigeria’s aviation landscape.”
He said that the university would equip Nigerians with research skills that support 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,” he said.
Speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation Technology, Rep. Tajudeen Abisodun, said that the Bill represents a historic opportunity for Nigeria to lead the continent in aviation education, technology and research.
Abisodun emphasised 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 is 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,” he said.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, said that the university would address persistent manpower shortage bedeviling the country.
Keyamo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar said that the proposal was in alignment with the country’s long-term agenda to make Nigeria a global aviation training hub.
He said that the ministry initiated AAAU in 2023 to bridge the human capacity gap in the sector and promote indigenous research and innovation.
According to him, the proposed law would give the institution a firm legal foundation and autonomy to sustain its mandate.
“The African Aviation and Aerospace University represents more than an educational institution; is the future of aviation manpower development on the continent,” Keyamo 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 Aji, said that the institution had recorded significant milestones since its inception and deserved full legal backing to consolidate its achievements.
Aji 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,” he said.
The Registrar of AAAU, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said that the university has made remarkable progress since commencing operations in 2023 with executive approval from the Federal Government.
Abdullahi said AAAU has secured necessary accreditations from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
According to him, AAAU currently runs over seven accredited programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with pioneer postgraduate students set to graduate this year.
Abdullahi explained that the university has also conducted executive capacity-building programmes for key aviation agencies.
He said that the university has trained more than 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,” he said. “It will provide the legal framework needed to expand our reach, attract global partnerships, and fulfill Nigeria’s and Africa’s aviation manpower needs.”
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.
Ismail said: “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.”
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan 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.
Abubakar said that the Nigerian Air Force, with its long-standing experience in aviation education, recognised the strategic value of AAAU in advancing national security, economic growth and Africa’s regional leadership in aerospace technology.
