RismadarVoice Reporters
February 7, 2026
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has met with the Chancellor of Baze University, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, to discuss plans for the establishment of a School of Aviation in Abuja, a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s aviation manpower, reducing reliance on foreign training.
Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 general election, led a delegation of Baze University’s management on a courtesy and project-advocacy visit to the Minister’s office in Abuja.
Members of the delegation included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jamila Shu’ara; the Registrar, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi; and other senior officials of the university.
The discussions focused on Baze University’s proposal to site a School of Aviation in Bwari, Abuja, featuring a dedicated training runway for pilot instruction and other aviation-related professional programmes.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood.
Speaking at the meeting, Baba-Ahmed expressed appreciation to the Minister for his support and willingness to engage, describing the proposed aviation school as a national investment rather than a private venture.
“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,” he said.
The Chancellor recalled that Baze University commenced operations in 2011 with 17 students, 60 staff members, and about 3,000 square metres of academic space, noting that the institution has since grown significantly.
“Today, we have graduated over 5,000 students, expanded our academic facilities to more than 75,000 square metres, and established Africa’s largest private hospital, commissioned during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He added that the university’s graduates are excelling both locally and internationally, citing strong academic performance among alumni studying abroad.
“Our graduates are in public service, family businesses, and global institutions. In one cohort of our Master’s students overseas, 30 out of 31 returned with distinctions. We believe we can replicate this success in aviation training,” he said.
Highlighting the need for the aviation school, Baba-Ahmed noted that aviation is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, warning that Africa risks falling behind if it fails to invest in capacity building.
“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.
He explained that the proposed School of Aviation would offer training in pilot studies, aeronautical engineering, air traffic control, meteorology, and other critical aviation disciplines, expressing optimism that the project would soon commence.
“Within a year, we hope to invite the Minister to flag off the Baze University School of Aviation,” he said.
In his response, Keyamo welcomed the delegation and described the proposal as timely and consistent with the Federal Government’s objective of strengthening the aviation sector.
He said the aviation school would help address shortages of skilled professionals such as pilots and air traffic controllers, while also enhancing regional connectivity.
“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,” Keyamo said.
Commending Baze University’s track record, the Minister noted that the institution had demonstrated the capacity to deliver on the proposed project.
“This project addresses both the skills gap and connectivity challenges we face, particularly in West Africa,” he added.
While acknowledging existing aviation institutions such as the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja, Keyamo said the establishment of additional training centres would further strengthen the industry.
“This is healthy competition, and healthy competition is good for the aviation ecosystem,” he said.
Keyamo assured the delegation of the Ministry’s full support and directed aviation regulatory agencies to fast-track approval processes for the project.
“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,” the Minister said.
