By Sumaila Ogbaje,
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, says the newly established Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) will revolutionize aviation education and manpower development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Keyamo stated this on Friday in Abuja at the unveiling of the university, founded by aviation entrepreneur and engineer, Isaac Balami.
He described the initiative as a bold and historic milestone for Africa’s fast-growing aviation sector, commending Balami for the energy and drive for the remarkable achievement.
The minister said Balami’s consistency and innovative vision had set a new benchmark for private sector participation in the aviation industry.
“This is not just his achievement; it’s a victory for the entire aviation family,” he said.
“IBUAM is the first of its kind in Africa to combine a flying school, an aviation university, and an MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility all under one roof.
“What even governments have not been able to integrate, he has done.
“This development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of supporting local entrepreneurship and human capital development across strategic sectors.
“What we are witnessing today satisfies two key pillars of our five-point aviation agenda — support for indigenous entrepreneurs and investment in human capacity,” he said.
According to Keyamo,the university represents innovation, courage, and the spirit of a new aviation era.
Keyamo commended the choice of the pioneer Vice Chancellor, a retired Air Vice Marshal, Prof. Paul Jemitola, describing him as “a man of discipline and excellence” who would steer the institution with vision and integrity.
He also highlighted the urgent need to address manpower shortages, particularly in air traffic control, noting that institutions like IBUAM would help bridge critical skill gaps.
“There’s a growing global demand for pilots, aeronautical engineers, and air traffic controllers.
“Boeing’s projections show that African aviation will be the fastest-growing sector on the continent. IBUAM has come at the perfect time to prepare Nigeria for that future.
“The future of flight in Africa begins here. This university is not competing with the government; it is complementing our efforts to make Nigeria a continental aviation hub,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the institution as a game-changer that would redefine the future of aviation education and professional development across Africa.
Najomo said the NCAA fully supports the initiative, which aligns with its mandate to promote safety, growth, and sustainability in the industry.
He added that the decision to combine aeronautics and management studies was particularly commendable, as safety and leadership are inseparable in aviation.
“A strong regulatory system depends on the quality of human capital that drives it.
“We look forward to collaborating with the university on curriculum design, safety management, and regulatory compliance training.
“By merging these disciplines, the university is preparing students to become complete professionals — technically competent, ethically grounded, and globally competitive,” he said.
The NCAA boss commended Balami and the university’s governing board for their courage and foresight, assuring that the Authority would continue to support all initiatives that promote education, professionalism, and innovation in the sector. (NAN)
