AAAU, NCAT move to close manpower gap in aviation sector in Nigeria

……hold 1st international research conference in West Africa

In a bid to close the manpower gap in the aviation sector in Nigeria, African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, are collaborating to improve research and capacity training in the industry.

Speaking at the 1st International Research Conference organised by the AAAU in partnership with NCAT in Abuja, the Registrar of the University, Dr Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi said for us at AAAU, today is more than a gathering of academics, policymakers, regulators and industry practitioners.

“It is, in fact, the manifestation of the vision of our founding fathers, that this institution becomes the true center of academic excellence and a hub for research and development in the aviation and aerospace sector.

“From inception, the mandate of AAAU has been clear, to address the challenges of manpower development, bridge the research gap in aviation, and provide homegrown solution to Africa’s transportation and Aerospace realities.

“Over the years, the relationship between academia and the aviation industry, particularly in the area of management and policy has not been robust as it should be”.

Abdullahi explained that “this conference therefore represents a turning point, bringing together brilliant minds to interrogate ideas, proffer solutions, and lay foundation for sustainable collaborations.

“As a Pan-African specialized university for Aviation, aerospace, and environmental science, AAAU is determined to be the bridge that connects knowledge with practice, theory with industry and research with policy” he stated.

On his part, the Rector of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma Ismaila Adamu reiterated that”this gathering marks a debriefing moment in our collective pursuit of knowledge, innovation and collaborations in the aviation and aerospace sector on the African Continent.

“The challenges facing aviation in Nigeria and Africa are from sustainability and safety oversight, to unmanned aircraft integration. High start -up business failure rate , maintenance capability, and human capital development.

“This demand a research -driven, evidence -based approach and the conference provides a rare and vital platform for scholars, policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to converge, share insights, and craft solutions that are uniquely tailored to the African context while remaining aligned with global best practices “.

He said AAAU, NCAT collaboration demonstrates ” out readiness not only to train the present generation of aviation professionals, but also to co-create knowledge that will shape the future of the industry.

On his part, the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman Governing Council of AAAU, Alh.Dr. Bukar Goni expressed hope that conference will proffer solutions that will improve manpower capacity in the Aviation sector.

The conference with the theme: ‘Innovative Multimodal Transportation Solutions, Regulatory and Policy Framework for Development and Sustainability ‘ has in attendance stakeholders from all over the country and even beyond.

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