ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has held talks with the Chancellor of Baze University, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, on proposals to establish a School of Aviation in Abuja, an initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation workforce and cut reliance on overseas training.
Baba-Ahmed, who served as the running mate to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 general election, led Baze University’s management team on a courtesy and project-advocacy visit to the Minister at his Abuja office.
The delegation included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jamila Shu’ara; the Registrar, Prof Abiodun Adeniyi; and other senior university officials.
According to the statement, discussions focused on Baze University’s plan to locate the proposed School of Aviation in Bwari, Abuja, featuring a dedicated training runway for pilot instruction and other aviation-related professional programmes.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.
Speaking during the meeting, Baba-Ahmed thanked the Minister for his support and openness to dialogue, describing the initiative as a national investment rather than a private undertaking.
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He said, “We are grateful for the Honourable Minister’s magnanimity and his decision to place national interest above every other consideration. This project is about Nigeria and Africa preparing for the future of aviation.”
The Chancellor noted that Baze University commenced operations in 2011 with 17 students, 60 staff members, and about 3,000 square metres of academic space, adding that the institution has recorded significant growth over the years.
“Today, we have graduated over 5,000 students, expanded our academic facilities to more than 75,000 square metres, and established Africa’s largest private hospital, which was commissioned during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He added that the university’s graduates are excelling both locally and internationally.
“Our graduates are in public service, family businesses, and global institutions. In one cohort of our Master’s students abroad, 30 out of 31 returned with distinctions. We believe we can replicate this success in aviation training,” he stated.
Explaining the rationale for the proposed aviation school, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that aviation is among the world’s fastest-growing sectors, cautioning that Africa could lag behind without deliberate capacity building.
“Over the next 20 years, the world will require about 780,000 aircraft maintenance engineers. Are we going to remain consumers of expertise, or will we start producing our own?” he asked.
He said the School of Aviation would offer training in pilot studies, aeronautical engineering, air traffic control, meteorology, and other key aviation fields, expressing optimism about the project’s timeline.
“Within a year, we hope to invite the minister to flag off the Baze University School of Aviation,” he said.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the delegation and described the proposal as timely and consistent with the Federal Government’s goal of strengthening the aviation industry.
He said the proposed school would help tackle the shortage of skilled aviation professionals, including pilots and air traffic controllers, while also enhancing regional connectivity.
He said, “We have been discussing this initiative for some time, and I am encouraged by your passion and vision. I put national interest first because I have taken an oath to be fair to all.
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“Looking at what Baze University has already achieved, no one can doubt your capacity,” Keyamo noted. “This project addresses both the skills gap and connectivity challenges we face, particularly in West Africa.”
While acknowledging existing aviation institutions such as the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja, the Minister said additional training centres would further strengthen the sector.
“This is healthy competition, and healthy competition is good for the aviation ecosystem,” he said.
Keyamo assured the delegation of the Ministry’s full backing and directed aviation regulatory agencies to expedite approval processes for the project.
“All regulatory bodies are on red alert to give you the necessary approvals. You will not be arm-twisted by bureaucracy. No one should ask you for one kobo. If anyone does, report directly to me,” Keyamo pledged.