The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to support the proposed establishment of Baze University Aviation School with dedicated runway in Bwari, Abuja.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made the disclosure when a management of Baze University, led by its Chancellor , Senator Yusuf Datti Baba- Ahmed, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
The Minister said, “The proposed Baze University Aviation School in Abuja is to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector and close critical skills gaps. The ministry is committed to national development, stressing that the protection of Nigeria’s interests remains our foremost priority.
“I commend Senator Baba-Ahmed for his passion, vision, and resilience in promoting quality education, noting that the proposed Aviation University aligns with the country’s drive to develop skilled manpower in the aviation industry.
“I support the initiative, it is a strategic project capable of enhancing national connectivity, strengthening Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, and positioning the country as a regional hub for aviation development in West Africa,” he said.
Festus Keyamo said there would be synergy between the University and relevant departments and agencies under the Ministry towards success of the project.
The Minister welcomed the delegation and described the proposal as timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s objective of strengthening the aviation sector.e
He said the proposed aviation school would help address the shortage of skilled professionals in the sector, including pilots and air traffic controllers, while also improving 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.
“Looking at what Baze University has already achieved, no one can doubt your capacity. This project addresses both the skills gap and connectivity challenges we face, particularly in West Africa.”
The Minister acknowledges existing aviation institutions such as the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT) Zaria, and the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja, (AAUA) and the establishment of additional training centres would strengthen the industry.
“This is healthy competition, and healthy competition is good for the aviation ecosystem. 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 said
The minister directed Alhaji Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, to work with Baza and stakeholders to ensure timely completion of all requirements leading to approvals.
He said, “The Ministry accords the project special attention, as a strategic initiative that would contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“The Ministry is commitment to ensuring that all procedural and regulatory steps are taken to facilitate the establishment of the proposed institution, accordingly,” he said.
In his remarks, Chancellor of Baze University, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, an Economist and a former Banker who specified on Foreign Direct Investment, (FDI), said, “I commend the Minister and the Ministry for this support. Baze University’s growth from an initial enrolment of 17 students in 2012 to over 500 graduates, stressing the institution’s commitment to quality education and national representation.
“Graduates of the university are performing strongly in both local and international spaces. 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 added.
“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.”
“Baze has established Africa’s largest private hospital, which was commissioned during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Two serving Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ambassadors, Sultan, Bishops have visited the University,” Baba-Ahmed said.
The Senator said, the reasons for the establishment of the aviation school, is because it is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, warning that Africa risks falling behind if it fails to build capacity.
“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.
“Within a year, we hope to invite the minister to flag off the Baze University School of Aviation,” he said.
“The proposed Baze Aviation University School in Bwari, Abuja would offer programmes in Aviation Studies, Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Management, Air Traffic Control, and Meteorology, alongside complementary disciplines such as Education, Healthcare, and Tourism.
“This is designed to produce skilled professionals essential for Nigeria’s economic development and technological advancement.
“The initiative is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s aviation manpower and reducing dependence on foreign training as China and the Asian Tigers are doing.”