Give legislative backing to African Aviation varsity, Keyamo urges NASS

Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has called on the National Assembly to give legislative backing to the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) for proper funding.

Speaking on Wednesday while touring the temporal site of the University in Abuja, the Minister said the institution was conceived by the Federal Ministry of Aviation as the first Pan African University of Aviation, Aerospace, and Environmental Science, AAAU endeavors to bridge gaps in research, development, and manpower shortages as well as bridge the human capacity development within Africa’s aviation industry.

“AAAU’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. AAAU aspires to position Nigeria as a hub for Aviation education in Africa.

“This esteemed University boasts affiliations and international connections with renowned organizations and schools. Notably, AAAU has devised a system that will provide students with international qualifications, including ICAO and WMO certifications for B.Sc. Aviation Business and B.Sc. Meteorology”.

He further explained that 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) enhance the practical dimension of our courses. Accredited by the Nigeria University Commission (NUC), AAAU proudly offers five distinct programmes, including Bachelor in Aviation Business and Meteorology, as well as MSc. programme in Air Transport Management, Air Safety Management, and Applied Meteorology.

“Our academic journey has commenced with the admission of 28 undergraduate pioneer students with 14 students each in both Aviation Business and Meteorology. This was done via the successful collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

“After a successful resource verification by NUC, the Commission has granted AAAU the approval to commence postgraduate programmes. The AAAU School of Postgraduate is opening the application portal for M.Sc. programmes on 22nd December 2023 (Two days from now). Additionally, the University has rolled out ten short professional training programmes for individuals seeking expertise in the aviation sector,” he stated.

On his part, the Registrar of the University, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi said the school will create the manpower for the management of aviation business in Nigeria.

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