By Felix Khanoba
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has hailed the newly launched Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) as a game-changer that will reshape aviation education and manpower development in Nigeria and across the continent.
Keyamo made the remark on Friday in Abuja during the official unveiling of the university, established by renowned aviation engineer and entrepreneur, Isaac Balami.
Describing the project as a “bold and historic milestone,” the minister commended Balami’s determination and foresight, noting that his innovation had set a new standard for private sector involvement in aviation.
“This is not just his achievement; it’s a victory for the entire aviation family,” he said.
Keyamo explained that IBUAM was the first institution in Africa to integrate a flying school, an aviation university, and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility under a single management structure.
“What even governments have not been able to integrate, he has done,” he said.
He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening human capital across strategic sectors.
“What we are witnessing today satisfies two key pillars of our five-point aviation agenda — support for indigenous entrepreneurs and investment in human capacity,” Keyamo stated.
According to the minister, the establishment of IBUAM reflects innovation, courage, and the dawn of a new era for African aviation.
He also praised the appointment of the institution’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, retired Air Vice Marshal Prof. Paul Jemitola, describing him as “a man of discipline and excellence” who would lead the university with integrity and vision.
Keyamo noted the urgent need to close manpower gaps in the aviation sector, particularly in air traffic control.
“There’s a growing global demand for pilots, aeronautical engineers, and air traffic controllers,” he said.“Boeing’s projections show that African aviation will be the fastest-growing sector on the continent. IBUAM has come at the perfect time to prepare Nigeria for that future. The future of flight in Africa begins here. This university is not competing with the government; it is complementing our efforts to make Nigeria a continental aviation hub.”
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the university as a transformative institution that would redefine aviation education and professional growth across Africa.
Najomo said the NCAA fully supports the initiative, as it aligns with its mandate to promote safety, development, and sustainability in the aviation sector.
He applauded the decision to merge aeronautics and management studies, emphasizing that leadership and safety were inseparable elements of aviation.
“A strong regulatory system depends on the quality of human capital that drives it,” Najomo said.“We look forward to collaborating with the university on curriculum design, safety management, and regulatory compliance training. By merging these disciplines, the university is preparing students to become complete professionals — technically competent, ethically grounded, and globally competitive.”
Najomo further commended Balami and the university’s governing board for their vision and commitment, assuring that the NCAA would continue to back initiatives that foster education, professionalism, and innovation in the sector.
