SeeThe Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has expressed concern over the shortage of skilled professionals in Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly in critical areas such as air traffic control.
Keyamo who made the remark in Abuja during the official unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, noted that the shortage of skilled manpower has compelled the retention of some aviation professionals well past retirement age, underscoring the urgency of addressing the skills gap.
The minister commended the establishment of the institution, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to developing local capacity in the aviation industry.
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In his remarks, the founder of the university, Isaac Balami, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the institution and hinted on graduating highly skilled and globally competitive aviation professionals.
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Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, lauded the initiative and assured of the agency’s partnership and regulatory support to ensure that the university meets international standards.
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The Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management is set to provide hands on training in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and aviation management. It is being developed in collaboration with both the NCAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with a vision to boost Nigeria’s aviation training capacity and reduce reliance on foreign institutions.
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