The Federal Government has commended the launch of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), describing it as a groundbreaking milestone that will revolutionize aviation education and professional training in Africa.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, noted that the establishment of the institution aligns with the government’s five-point agenda, particularly in supporting local entrepreneurship and advancing human capital development.
According to Keyamo, the creation of the university marks a significant leap for Nigeria and the continent in addressing the shortage of skilled aviation professionals. He cited a recent Boeing study predicting that Africa’s aviation sector would be the fastest growing in the world over the next decade, creating immense demand for trained pilots, engineers, and management experts.
“The launch of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management is a major step in preparing Africa for the future of air transport,” Keyamo said. “This university’s unique structure, combining a flying school, aviation professional training, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities will not only boost the aviation workforce but also build capacity for sustainable growth in the sector.”
He emphasized that the institution is expected to become a model for aviation education across the continent, helping to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic training.
In his remarks, the founder and proprietor of the university, Dr. Isaac Balami, said the institution was conceived to redefine aviation education and professional development in Nigeria and Africa at large. He stated that IBUAM was built on the principles of innovation, professionalism, and safety, with a mission to produce world-class aviation experts who are technically competent, ethically grounded, and globally competitive.
“The Nigerian aviation industry is currently expanding but struggling with limited local capacity for advanced technical and managerial training,” Balami said. “This university is designed to bridge that gap by providing specialized training programmes that equip students with practical skills and deep industry knowledge.”
Dr. Balami also disclosed that the university will collaborate with major aviation stakeholders, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to ensure that its programmes meet the highest international standards of safety and excellence. He added that the partnership would give students hands-on exposure to real-world aviation challenges and industry operations.
Highlighting the institution’s dual focus on aeronautics and management, he said the curriculum emphasizes the importance of safety, discipline, and leadership, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled in flight and engineering but also capable of effectively managing aviation businesses and operations.
In her goodwill message, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, announced that her ministry will sponsor the enrollment of 100 girls into the university’s aviation programmes. Represented by her Special Assistant on Strategic Partnerships, Chinny Okafor, the minister explained that the initiative aims to challenge gender stereotypes and promote women’s inclusion in the aviation sector.
“The aviation sector has long been male-dominated, but it’s time to change that narrative,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said. “By providing opportunities for girls to study aviation courses, we are tapping into a talent pool that has been overlooked for too long. This inclusion will not only promote gender equality but also strengthen the industry with diversity and innovation.”
Stakeholders have described the launch of IBUAM as a historic development that could transform Nigeria into a regional hub for aviation education and maintenance operations. The university’s integrated model which is combining academic learning, technical training, and hands-on flight experience is expected to set new standards for aeronautical studies in Africa.
With its establishment, experts say Nigeria is taking a bold step toward reducing dependence on foreign aviation training and building a homegrown workforce that can compete globally in the rapidly evolving aviation industry.
Congratulations for establishing IBUAM. May I have the honor to suggest that the university establishes a thorough liaison with already existing aeronautics centers such as those in Zaria, Ilorin, Aerospace Center Abuja and most especially the Nigerian Air Force Command in Kaduna. IBUAM may have a lot to learn from their curriculum.