The Minter of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has said African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) will bridge the gap in research and development within the industry in Africa.
Keyamo said this on Wednesday while inspecting facilities at the university in Abuja.
He said that the institution would also bridge manpower shortages and human capacity development within Africa’s aviation industry.
“I am here to share the remarkable journey of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), a visionary institution conceived by the Federal Ministry of Aviation as the first Pan African University of Aviation, Aerospace, and Environmental Science.
“AAAU endeavors to bridge the gaps in research, development, and manpower shortages as well as bridge the human capacity development within Africa’s aviation industry.
“The s mission is to be a premier institution offering well-conceived, forward-looking academic programmes aligned with the evolving needs of the 21st-century aviation sector,“ he said.
According to the minister, AAAU aspires to position Nigeria as a hub for Aviation education in Africa.
Keyamo said the University boasted affiliations and international connections with renowned organisations and schools.
He said the University had devised a system that would provide students with international qualifications, including International Civil Aviation Organisation and World Meteorological Organisation certifications for B.Sc. Aviation Business and B.Sc. Meteorology.
“Collaborations with esteemed entities such as the Qatar Government, Swinburne University Australia, University of Coventry UK, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, and most recently, Emirates Aviation University, Dubai, underscore AAAU’s commitment to global excellence.
“Furthermore, partnerships with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) enhances the practical dimension of our courses.
“Accredited by Nigeria University Commission (NUC), AAAU proudly offers five distinct programmes, including Bachelors in Aviation Business and Meteorology, as well as M.Sc. programmes in Air Transport Management, Air Safety Management and Applied Meteorology,“ he said.
He said academic journey had commenced with admission of 28 undergraduate pioneer students with 14 students each in both Aviation Business and Meteorology done via the successful collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
He said that the commission had granted AAAU the approval to commence postgraduate programmes after a successful resource verification by the NUC.
The minister said the AAAU School of Postgraduate would open the application portal for M.Sc. programmes on Dec. 22. 2023.
He added that the University had rolled out ten short professional training programmes for individuals seeking expertise in the aviation sector.
He said a committee chaired by Dr Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, would scout for a capable Vice-Chancellor for the University as directed by Mr President.
He said the University was currently situated on a temporary campus owned by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), as the preparation to commence development of AAAU’s permanent site was already at hand.
“With obvious potentials of this institution, we’ve found ourselves at a juncture where expansion is imperative. Therefore, I will be directing the new Director-General of NSIB to allocate additional space for AAAU within NSIB training School.”
According to him, the expansion is meant for the accommodation of the incoming Vice-Chancellor and also to facilitate the presence of other essential Principal Officers and more lecture rooms.
“By providing this space, the NSIB, like NiMet, is further providing critical support to the growth and prosperity of AAAU by ensuring a conducive environment for academic and administrative excellence.
“As we celebrate our achievements, we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding our faculties and programmes as well as ensuring that AAAU continues to be a beacon of excellence in aviation education around the world,“ he said. (NAN)