Nigeria has achieved a historic milestone with the official unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) — Africa’s first privately owned university dedicated solely to aeronautics and management.
The landmark event took place on Friday at the Plateau Hall, Yranscorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, drawing distinguished figures from the aviation, education, defence, diplomatic and legislative sectors.
Among the dignitaries present were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Feature Keyamo, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Senator Abubakar Mahadi , Capt Chris Najomo,Director-General of the NCAA; Air Vice Marshel Paul Jemitola (Rtd),Vice Chancellor of IBUAM; and Comrades Isaac Balami, Founder and Chancellor of the university.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Minister of Women Affairs, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, aviation industry experts and journalists from across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Paul Jemitola described the university as a groundbreaking institution that will redefine aviation education and leadership across the continent.
“Today, we unveil not just a university, but a revolution designed to shape the future of aviation and leadership in Africa,” he said. “The International Civil Aviation Organisation projects that over 65,000 new African aviation professionals will be needed by 2040. Our university is a timely response to that call.”
He highlighted IBUAM’s innovative model, which integrates academic instruction with practical professional training.
“Every graduate of this university will earn a degree and also obtain a Private Pilot Licence and Aircraft Maintenance Certification in compliance with NCAA and EASA standards,” he noted.
According to him, students will complete over 1,000 flight and simulation hours through partnerships with industry giants such as Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce, positioning them as “global professionals with African roots.”
In an emotional address, Comrade Isaac Balami reflected on his humble beginnings in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“I came from a background where I worked as a suck-away evacuator, bus conductor, and farm labourer,” he recounted. “During school holidays, while others played football, I was in the bush working to support my family. Today, by God’s grace, we are unveiling Africa’s first private aeronautics and management university.”
He credited key government agencies and officials, including the Minister of Education, NCAA, and NUC, for their support in securing the university’s licence.
“Our students will not just study theory; they will work in hangars, repair engines, and test avionics,” Balami explained. “By graduation, they will be globally employable without supervision.”
In one of the event’s major announcements, Balami revealed a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, which has pledged to sponsor 100 female students annually from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“This partnership will help break barriers and open the skies to women,” he said, drawing loud applause.
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs.Jimmy Okoye, described the initiative as “a landmark for gender inclusion in aviation”.
Government officials and legislators praised IBUAM’s vision and impac