By Emmanuel Daudu
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo has conducted a groundbreaking ceremony of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja, stating that the Tinubu-led administration will continue to support the Aviation sector.
The event took place today at the AAAU Permanent Site, Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja.
The Minister while conducting the ground breaking, disclosed, “Just last year, when I was tasked with piloting the affairs of the Ministry of Aviation, I knew, as did everyone, about the key agencies within the aviation ministry of Nigeria, such as FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, and others. Little was known about a nascent institution until the Permanent Secretary scheduled briefings for me from various agencies. It was then that I first heard about AAAU. After I was formally briefed by the Management Team of AAAU, I gained a clear picture of their mandate and the enormous benefit to Nigeria in pioneering such a potentially great institution.
“The university currently operates from a temporary campus provided by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) as part of their interagency support. This current place where we stand today, now designated as the permanent site, is strategically located and fit for purpose. We are here today with the support of President Bola Tinubu, who approved a take-off grant for AAAU to complement the budget provision made available for the university’s development in the 2024 appropriation.
“The following structures will be part of the first phase of development for the university: The Faculty of Aviation Management Building, the Postgraduate School Building, 250-capacity auditorium, A 350-capacity auditorium, A research centre, A synoptic laboratory for meteorology ,A multipurpose laboratory, Initial fencing covering 2 kms, as well as two ceremonial gatehouses
“We are confident that these projects will be completed within 48 weeks, thanks to TETFund for making the grant 100% available and accessible. In today’s world, where public-private partnerships thrive, the university intends to explore the possibility of partnering with the private sector for the development of hostels, a clinic, a conference centre, and, due to the proximity to the airport”.
The event also witnessed the maiden matriculation of the African Aviation and Aerospace University at the Take-Off campus (NSIB training school) on Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja.
While speaking, the Hon. Minister has this to say, “Today’s event transcends a mere matriculation; it symbolizes the commencement and take-off of an institution destined for greatness. We have just witnessed the matriculation of 30 pioneer undergraduate students and 60 pioneer postgraduate students in various disciplines of aviation and environmental science. This is a monumental step forward, signifying our commitment to excellence and innovation in these fields.
“The AAAU is a brainchild of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, conceptualized by the immediate past administration. Upon my appointment as Minister of Aviation last year, I met the University at its cradle, just about to commence admissions for the 2023/2024 academic session. Under my watch, the University has now secured a permanent site right here on Bill Clinton Drive, where I had the honour of performing the groundbreaking ceremony before coming here. This site will house the construction of a Faculty of Aviation Management, two auditoriums with a collective seating capacity of 600, a School of Postgraduate Studies, a central library, and a research centre, among other key infrastructures. This was achievable with the approval of a takeoff grant for capital projects by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through TETFund.
“The unwavering support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration, particularly Agenda 4 of my 5-point agenda, which focuses on addressing the human resource gap in the aviation sector. Our mission is to ensure that Nigeria not only keeps pace with global developments in aviation and aerospace but also sets new standards.
“In pursuit of this mission, we have established AAAU as a centre of excellence where cutting-edge research and innovation are not just encouraged but are the cornerstone of our academic programs. The curriculum in collaboration with international experts in the field of aviation education from renowned specialised aviation institutions has been meticulously designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience while tailored to fit our own local peculiarities, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the aviation industry and beyond.
“To our new students, you are embarking on a journey that will not only shape your future but also the future of aviation and aerospace. As I told you the undergraduate students during my previous visit to your lecture room, you are the pioneers of this great institution, and with that comes the responsibility to set high standards and maintain good morals to pave the way for those who will follow. As you all are encouraged to graduate with distinction in both character and learning. Embrace the opportunities before you, strive for excellence, and remember that you are not just students of AAAU, but ambassadors of Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace future. Your journey here will shape the future of the aviation industry, and I have no doubt that you will make us proud.
“In conclusion, I commend the current management and staff of AAAU, led by the Registrar, for their unwavering efforts, commitment, and hard work. The strides the institution has made thus far are a testament to your collective dedication. However, this is just the beginning. I encourage you to continue striving for excellence, cementing your legacy in aviation academic history, and elevating Nigeria on the global stage.
“I am pleased to also State it here that a new Vice-Chancellor will be announced soon, following the directive of Mr. President. You should be rest assured that this appointment shall mark a significant step in consolidating your achievements thus far.
“Additionally, I applaud the obvious symbiotic relationship between AAAU and NSIB as an obvious product of interagency alliance and I have always reiterated the significance of interagency collaboration within the aviation sector as this has been my mantra from day one as Minister because that helps in building a more knowledge-based industry. I also thank all aviation agencies for their unwavering support of this nascent University. Your contributions are pivotal to our collective success”, he added.
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