Abuja, Nigeria – A groundbreaking milestone for African aviation and higher education was achieved on Thursday with the official unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Africa’s first privately owned university dedicated exclusively to aeronautics and management.

Speaking at the world press conference and unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Vice Chancellor, Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Professor Paul Jemitola, described the institution as “a revolution designed to shape the future of African aviation and leadership.”

He noted that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) projects that Africa will require over 65,000 new aviation professionals by 2040, emphasizing that IBUAM is strategically positioned to fill this gap with locally trained, globally competitive professionals.

Minister of Aviation Hails Milestone for the Sector

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, praised the establishment of IBUAM as “a great feat for the aviation industry.”

He said the unveiling aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its five-point agenda, particularly in supporting private sector growth and human capital development.

“It is one of our five points agenda — one, the support for local entrepreneurs within our sector, and two, human capital development. It is a revolution,” Mr. Keyamo stated.

The Minister urged state governments to support indigenous students in gaining admission to IBUAM and highlighted the institution’s unique structure, which he said “is a combination of three institutions.”

He also encouraged the university to give special attention to air traffic control, warning that “the future of air flight in Africa will face a shortage of professionals in air controlling.”

Women Affairs Ministry Commends IBUAM’s Inclusivity

Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, the Special Adviser on Technical and Strategic Communication, Mrs. Chumi Okoye, lauded the initiative as “an extraordinary achievement and a bold demonstration of what is possible when vision meets determination.”

She emphasized that the university marks a historic opportunity for women in Nigeria and across Africa.

“For the first time, young women will have access to world-class education in aeronautics engineering and management at home without needing to go abroad. The university is a testament to Nigeria’s capacity for innovation and excellence,” she said.

Mrs. Okoye noted that the ministry will partner with IBUAM to train 100 young women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in the first phase of its collaboration with the institution.

“We’re opening new pathways for women in innovation, trade, and technical sectors such as aviation. Recent data reveals that only 13% of aviation jobs are held by women, and our goal is to significantly increase women’s participation and close this gap,” she added.

NCAA Endorses IBUAM’s Vision

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, also commended the establishment of the university, describing it as “timely and transformative.”

He noted that IBUAM “redefines the future of aviation education, profession, and management in Nigeria and Africa,” particularly as the sector continues to face challenges in capacity development and specialized technical training.

A Vision Rooted in Innovation — The Founder Speaks

In his remarks, Engr. Isaac Balami, founder of IBUAM and a respected aviation entrepreneur, said the university was born from a lifelong dream to build a world-class institution that would train Africans in Africa to global standards.

“For too long, we have depended on foreign institutions to train our pilots, engineers, and managers. IBUAM is proof that we can build excellence right here at home — by Africans, for Africa, and for the world,” Balami said.

He added that the university’s mission is not just to produce graduates but leaders equipped with skills, discipline, and vision to transform the continent’s aviation landscape.

“Our goal is to raise a new generation of aviation entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers who will drive Africa’s presence in global aviation. This is more than a university; it is a movement,” Balami stated.

Redefining the African Graduate

According to the Vice Chancellor, every student at IBUAM will combine academic training with hands-on aeronautical experience. Regardless of their discipline from Aerospace Engineering to Aviation Management or Computer Engineering students will be trained in Piloting and Leadership alongside their primary studies.

Graduates can earn:

• A Private Pilot License (PPL), with pathways to commercial certification.
• International aircraft maintenance certifications recognized by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Immersive Learning and Leadership Development

Students will receive over 1,000 hours of live aircraft experience and train with cutting-edge simulation technologies from global leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce.

Beyond academics, IBUAM offers a balanced lifestyle experience, with modern dining, sports, and recreational facilities that foster leadership, teamwork, and innovation.

Join the Future of African Aviation

IBUAM is now open for admissions to students across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

“This is where pilots graduate as entrepreneurs, engineers as innovators, and managers as visionaries,” Professor Jemitola said.

Prospective students can apply at www.ibuam.edu.ng to begin their journey into the future of African aviation.

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Air Peace has begun construction of West Africa’s largest aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The landmark project is expected to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector, reduce dependence on overseas maintenance, and establish the country as a hub for African and international airlines.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, was attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, senior executives from the Bank of Industry and Fidelity Bank, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Air Peace Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, called the project the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

“We paid for this land eight years ago, but nothing happened until the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our indefatigable Minister of Aviation. This is the first time Nigerian airlines are receiving massive support, and we at Air Peace are proud to be part of this history.”

Onyema stressed the facility’s economic benefits, noting that Nigerian airlines spent more than $180 billion last year on overseas maintenance and spare parts. “This MRO will change that narrative. It will serve Air Peace as well as other Nigerian and foreign airlines. Within 24 months, Nigeria will begin attracting foreign carriers from Africa, Europe, and the Americas to bring their aircraft here,” he said.

Largest in Africa
The project, handled by Morgan Omonitan & Abe, will include a 6,200sqm hangar, 2,600sqm workshop, 2,000sqm warehouse, 1,500sqm office block, and a 10,000sqm aircraft parking apron, supported by additional infrastructure such as a car park and utility buildings.

The facility will accommodate a Boeing 777 alongside five other aircraft at once—making it the largest in Africa, surpassing similar infrastructure in South Africa and Ethiopia. Technical support will come from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer.

Massive Job Creation
The development is projected to generate over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, provide training for new engineers and technicians, and drastically reduce capital flight.

Mrs. Ifeoma Uz’okpala, Executive Director at the Bank of Industry, praised the strategic partnership with Air Peace and its financial partners. Fidelity Bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Abolore Solebo, also commended the airline’s foresight, noting that Air Peace’s vision inspired the bank to establish Nigeria’s first aviation desk.

Minister Keyamo described the MRO as a “national treasure.”

“This hangar will save billions in foreign exchange, attract foreign airlines, and create unprecedented opportunities for our people. Even the Presidential Fleet will use this facility, as it is the most cost-effective option for government.”

Onyema’s Final Word
“This is more than a foundation stone—it is a revolution. It proves Nigeria believes in itself, that indigenous investment can thrive, and that we are ready to take our place on the global aviation stage.”

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, continues to invest in job creation and youth empowerment. With the new MRO facility, the carrier aims to cement its role as a driver of national development and regional aviation growth.

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A disagreement has emerged between Nigerian carrier Air Peace and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) following the release of a preliminary report on the airline’s runway excursion in Port Harcourt on July 13.

The NSIB report, released Friday, stated that toxicology screening conducted after the incident showed the captain and first officer tested positive for alcohol, while a cabin crew member tested positive for cannabis. The bureau said these findings suggested that human performance was a factor in the aircraft’s unstable landing, which resulted in the jet stopping more than 200 metres into the overrun area.

All 103 passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.

Air Peace, however, said it had not received official communication from the NSIB about the results, more than a month after the incident. The airline explained that the captain of the affected flight had already been relieved of duty for procedural reasons, not for alcohol use, while the first officer was cleared and reinstated to active duty by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The airline stressed that it conducts frequent drug and alcohol testing on crew and operates a strict no-alcohol policy that exceeds regulatory requirements.

Meanwhile, both the first officer and the cabin crew member publicly denied using alcohol or drugs. They questioned the testing process and delays in communicating results.

Responding, NSIB Director General Capt. Alex Badeh Jr said the bureau does not conduct tests directly, explaining that the toxicology samples were processed by the Rivers State Hospital Management Board. He maintained that publishing preliminary reports is a standard procedure and denied allegations of bias.

The NSIB noted that its investigation is ongoing and further findings will be released in a final report.

Air Peace operates domestic and international flights across Africa and to destinations including London, Jeddah, and Accra.

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched an investigation into the removal of a passenger from an Enugu Air flight after he allegedly refused to switch off his mobile phone.

A video circulating on social media showed security operatives escorting the passenger off the aircraft, which was scheduled to depart Enugu for Lagos.

The Incident

According to FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Obiageli Orah, the incident began when the passenger declined to comply with safety instructions to switch off his phone.

Other passengers on board also asked him to turn off his phone, but he refused, prompting security personnel to be alerted.

FAAN’s Investigation

FAAN has confirmed that it will release full details of the investigation once it is complete.

The incident comes just weeks after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reinforced its directive that all mobile phones must be completely switched off during take-off and landing.

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Strengthening global aviation ties! Air Peace is set to begin direct flights between Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬 and São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷, marking a historic milestone in Nigerian aviation and bilateral relations.

The announcement follows the return of a high-powered Nigerian delegation from Brazil, led by the Honourable Ministers of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Trade & Investment, Information, Defence, and Tourism, alongside the Director-General of Nigerians in Diaspora and Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema.

Strengthening Nigeria–Brazil Relations

At a press conference held at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal 2, officials highlighted the landmark trade relations and aviation cooperation between both nations.

The new Lagos–São Paulo route, officials said, will not only boost bilateral trade but also enhance tourism, investment, and people-to-people connectivity across Africa and South America.

Air Peace at the Forefront

The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s high-level delegation to Brazil, where historic steps were taken to deepen aviation relations between both nations.

From engagements with H.E. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Brazil’s First Lady, Rosângela da Silva, to strategic discussions with José Serrador, Vice President of Embraer, these interactions highlight Air Peace’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector and championing greater connectivity across continents.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Onyema described the development as “a bold step in strengthening ties and opening new opportunities for Nigerians and Brazilians alike.”

A New Era for Nigerian Aviation

Air Peace remains proud to play a pivotal role in the Lagos–São Paulo direct flight initiative, as Nigeria and Brazil open a new chapter in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Industry experts believe the Lagos–São Paulo route will create fresh opportunities for exporters, business leaders, and leisure travelers, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for intercontinental connectivity.

Direct flights are expected to commence soon, with details of the inaugural schedule to be released by Air Peace

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