The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, has reached a significant landmark in its academic journey with the successful conduct of its inaugural external defense for its pioneer postgraduate student, Oluodo Tola.
His research, titled “Potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Economic Growth in Nigeria”, represents the first postgraduate thesis to progress fully through AAAU’s academic cycle to the defense stage.
A distinguished panel of examiners, led by the external examiner, Prof. Ibrahim Jaro of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, travelled to Abuja to carry out the assessment. Their presence underscored the importance of this milestone, as the university continues to establish its footprint in advanced aviation and aerospace education.
The defense session opened with the formal introduction of committee members and a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Mr. Dennis Joseph Onwukwe. The Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Ayodele Gatta, also provided an overview of the School’s vision and progress.
Despite being on official assignment in Brazil, the Registrar, the Director of Academic Planning Prof. Yahaya Zayanna, and Dr. Chado, respectively joined the event virtually, alongside other lecturers and students who participated online.
The candidate was allotted 15 minutes to present his research and establish his authorship before Jaro commenced a rigorous, page-by-page evaluation of the work. Following the assessment, Tola —a Master in Science (M.Sc.) candidate in Air Transport Management was given two weeks to address all corrections to the satisfaction of the examiners.
He was commended for his accomplishment and informed that the award of his degree is subject to the approval of the School of Postgraduate Studies Board and the University Senate.
In his remarks, the Registrar, expressed profound appreciation to Jaro and all participants.
He noted that the successful defense sets a robust precedent for future postgraduate examinations, offers valuable guidance to both students and faculty, and reaffirms AAAU’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence in the aviation and aerospace sectors.