Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has thrown his weight behind Baze University’s proposal to establish a School of Aviation in Abuja, pledging full institutional support to fast-track regulatory approvals for the project, including a dedicated training runway.
Keyamo gave the assurance on Thursday, in Abuja, when he received the Chancellor of Baze University, Senator Yussuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who led a high-powered delegation of the university’s top management on a courtesy and project-advocacy visit to the Ministry.
The delegation included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jamila Shu’ara, the Registrar, Prof. Abiodun Gabriel Adeniyi, and other senior officials. Discussions at the meeting centred on the proposed School of Aviation to be located in Bwari, Abuja, which is designed to offer pilot training and a range of aviation-related professional programmes supported by its own training runway.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Baba-Ahmed expressed gratitude to the Minister for what he described as his patriotism and commitment to placing national interest above all other considerations.
He recalled the modest beginnings of Baze University in 2011, when it started with 17 students, 60 staff members and about 3,000 square metres of academic space.
According to him, the institution has since expanded into a major private university, boasting over 5,000 graduates, more than 75,000 square metres of academic facilities and Nigeria’s largest private hospital in Africa.
He noted that the hospital was commissioned during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari and represented by the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
“Today, our graduates are in public service, family businesses and global institutions. Many of our students who studied for their Master’s degrees abroad returned with distinctions — 30 out of 31 in one cohort. We are launching another legacy,” the Chancellor said.
Baba-Ahmed stressed that aviation remains one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, warning that the world would require an estimated 780,000 maintenance engineers over the next 20 years, and questioned Africa’s level of preparedness to meet that demand.
“Are we going to remain consumers of expertise? Education, healthcare, tourism and now aviation are the strategic paths to blocking Nigeria’s economic leakages. We want to start producing expertise in pilot training, aeronautical engineering, air traffic control, meteorology and other critical aviation disciplines,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that within a year, the Minister would be invited to Bwari to flag off the Baze University School of Aviation.
In his response, Keyamo warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the vision behind the proposed institution, describing it as timely and strategic for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“We have been in discussions on this for some time, and I am very encouraged by your passion and your vision. As you rightly said, I put national interest first because I have taken an oath to be fair to everyone,” the Minister said.
He noted that the proposed School of Aviation builds on Baze University’s track record of capacity and credibility, adding that its vision aligns with critical needs within the aviation industry.
“Looking at what you have already achieved, no one can doubt your capability. Your vision for a School of Aviation addresses two major issues in our sector — the skills gap and connectivity challenges, especially in West Africa,” Keyamo said.
The Minister highlighted persistent regional connectivity challenges and the shortage of skilled aviation professionals, including air traffic controllers, as areas where the project would make a significant impact.
While acknowledging the role of existing institutions such as the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), he described the emergence of additional aviation training institutions as healthy competition for the sector.
“I am in a position where I must embrace competition, but this is healthy competition that strengthens our aviation ecosystem. Initiatives like this add value not just to aviation, but to Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
Keyamo assured the delegation of the Ministry’s full backing, directing all aviation regulatory bodies and the Ministry’s management to expedite approval processes for the project.
“All the regulatory bodies are on red alert to give you the necessary approvals. I will direct the Permanent Secretary to begin procedures immediately. You will not be arm-stronged by bureaucracy. No one should ask you for one kobo. If anyone does, talk to me directly,” the Minister emphasised.
The proposed Baze University School of Aviation is expected to play a major role in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation human capital, reducing dependence on foreign training, boosting local capacity and enhancing the country’s standing within the global aviation ecosystem.
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