The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has thrown his weight behind Baze University’s plan to establish a School of Aviation in Abuja, including a dedicated training runway for pilot and aviation professional training.
Keyamo gave the assurance when he received the Chancellor of Baze University, Senator Yussuf Baba-Ahmed, who led a high-powered delegation of the institution’s management on a courtesy and project-advocacy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.
The delegation included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jamila Shu’ara, the Registrar, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, and other senior officials. Discussions centred on the proposed aviation school to be located in Bwari, Abuja, which will offer pilot training and other aviation-related professional programmes.
Speaking during the meeting, Baba-Ahmed thanked the Minister for what he described as his patriotism and commitment to national development. He traced the growth of Baze University from its modest beginning in 2011 with 17 students, 60 staff and 3,000 square metres of academic space, to a major private university with over 5,000 graduates, more than 75,000 square metres of facilities, and Nigeria’s largest private hospital, commissioned during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari and represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
“Today, our graduates serve in public institutions, family businesses and global organisations. Many of those who studied abroad returned with distinctions — 30 out of 31 in one cohort. We are now launching another legacy,”, he said.
Baba-Ahmed noted that aviation is among the fastest-growing sectors globally, stressing that the world will require about 780,000 maintenance engineers within the next 20 years, and questioned Africa’s readiness to meet that demand.
“Are we going to remain consumers of expertise? Education, healthcare, tourism and now aviation are strategic pathways to blocking Nigeria’s economic leakages. We want to produce our own pilots, aeronautical engineers, air traffic controllers, meteorologists and other aviation professionals”, he stated.
He expressed confidence that within a year the Minister would be invited to flag off the Baze University School of Aviation.
Responding, Keyamo commended the vision behind the project, describing it as timely and strategic for Nigeria’s aviation growth.
“We have been discussing this for some time, and I am encouraged by your passion. I place national interest first, and your proposal aligns with that interest,” the Minister said.
He noted that the proposed School of Aviation builds on Baze University’s credibility and addresses key challenges in the sector.
“Your vision tackles two major issues — the skills gap and connectivity challenges, especially in West Africa. We need more trained professionals, including air traffic controllers”, Keyamo added.
While acknowledging existing institutions such as the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), the Minister said more aviation institutions would create healthy competition and strengthen the sector.
“This is healthy competition that will improve our aviation ecosystem and add value to Nigeria”, he said.
Keyamo assured the delegation of full institutional backing, directing aviation regulatory agencies and the Ministry’s management to fast-track approvals.
“All regulatory bodies are on red alert to support this project. The Permanent Secretary will begin procedures immediately. You will not be armstronged by bureaucracy. No one should ask you for one kobo — if anyone does, report directly to me”, he emphasised.
The proposed Baze University School of Aviation is expected to boost Nigeria’s aviation human capital, reduce dependence on foreign training, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global aviation industry.