Reps push for Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja to tackle Africa’s aviation manpower gap

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has backed a proposal to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja — a move lawmakers and industry experts describe as crucial to bridging Africa’s growing aviation manpower gap.

The proposed institution, which already has the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), aims to make Nigeria a continental hub for aviation research, innovation, and training.

During a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Aviation Technology on Wednesday, stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector unanimously endorsed the Bill, calling it a landmark step for the continent’s aviation future.

Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, said the university would play a central role in Nigeria’s long-term goal of becoming a global aviation training hub.

“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 its foresight.

Federal Government allocates 200 hectares for campus
Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, revealed that the Federal Government had already allocated 200 hectares of land along Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, as the university’s permanent site. He added that several structures have been completed and relocation is underway.

He explained that passing the Bill would formalise the institution’s status, attract global partnerships, and guarantee sustainable funding.

“It will also help Nigeria achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s leading aviation training and innovation hub,” Aji stated.

University already training aviation professionals
Registrar Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi disclosed that AAAU currently runs seven accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with the first set of postgraduate students expected to graduate this year.

The institution has already trained over 300 personnel from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) through executive training programmes.

“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 said.

Industry, Air Force back initiative
Supporting the move, Capt. Danjuma Ismail, Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), said the new university would complement NCAT’s pilot and technical training with advanced academic research.

“Many aviation professionals lack access to postgraduate qualifications. The new university will provide that pathway,” he said.

Also endorsing the proposal, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the university as essential for both national security and Africa’s technological growth.

Citing an ICAO and Boeing 2024 forecast, he noted 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. However, it must instill discipline, safety, and professionalism to produce globally competitive graduates,” he said.

If passed, the Bill would formally establish AAAU as one of Africa’s first dedicated universities for aviation and aerospace studies, positioning Nigeria at the heart of the continent’s aviation future.