In a groundbreaking milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Africa’s first privately owned university dedicated to aeronautics and management studies, was officially unveiled on Friday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The grand event, which doubled as a world press conference, drew dignitaries from across the aviation, education, defence, diplomatic, and legislative sectors.
Among the high-profile attendees were Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Amb. Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Senator Abubakar Mahadi; Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Air Vice Marshal (Prof.) Paul Jemitola (Rtd), Vice Chancellor of IBUAM; and Comrade Isaac Balami, Founder and Chancellor of the institution.
“IBUAM Is a Revolution, Not Just a University” — VC Jemitola
Delivering the keynote address, Air Vice Marshal (Prof.) Paul Jemitola (Rtd) described IBUAM as a transformative force poised to redefine aviation education and leadership across Africa.
“Today, we unveil not just a university, but a revolution designed to shape the future of aviation and leadership across Africa,” he said.
Citing a projection by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) that Africa will need over 65,000 new aviation professionals by 2040, Jemitola said IBUAM’s establishment was a strategic response to that demand.
He explained that every IBUAM graduate will not only earn a degree but also acquire a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and Aircraft Maintenance Certification, in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
“Our students will log over 1,000 hours of flight and simulation time with global industry partners such as Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce,” he said. “We are building an ecosystem where pilots graduate as entrepreneurs, engineers as innovators, and managers as visionaries.”
Jemitola concluded with an open invitation to aspiring aviators across Africa: “If you dream of flying, fixing, managing, or leading, this is the runway to your future. Visit http://www.ibuam.edu.ng and begin your journey.”
“From a Village Boy to a University Founder” — Balami’s Emotional Testimony
In an emotional address, Comrade Isaac Balami, founder and chancellor of IBUAM, recounted his journey from humble beginnings in Maiduguri, Borno State, to becoming a driving force in Nigeria’s aviation industry. “I was once a suck-away evacuator, a bus conductor, and a farm labourer,” he said.
“During school holidays, when others played, I worked to help my family. Today, by God’s grace, we are unveiling Africa’s first private aeronautics and management university.”
Balami expressed gratitude to key supporters, including Minister Festus Keyamo, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Minister of Education, who approved the institution’s licence after what he called a “rigorous but fair process.”
He noted that IBUAM’s structure integrates academic learning with real-world exposure, with students undertaking practical training at an aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility in Lagos. “Our students will spend weekends and holidays in the hangar — repairing engines, testing avionics, and learning real-life operations. By graduation, they will be employable anywhere in the world,” he assured.
Balami also reaffirmed IBUAM’s commitment to excellence, patriotism, and accountability, calling the university a “patriotic response to Africa’s aviation manpower deficit.”
Empowering Women, Building Africa’s Future
One of the day’s biggest announcements came as Balami revealed that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs had pledged to sponsor 100 female students annually from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to study at IBUAM.
“This partnership will help break barriers and open the skies to women,” he said, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
Mrs. Jimmy Okoye, who represented the Minister of Women Affairs, hailed the initiative as a landmark for gender inclusion in aviation. “We are proud to support a university that is not only training pilots and engineers but also building leaders — both male and female — who will shape Africa’s future,” she said.
National Leaders Laud IBUAM’s Vision
In goodwill messages, dignitaries praised the university’s establishment as a symbol of hope, innovation, and national progress.
Amb. Gabriel Aduda called IBUAM “a national pride and a beacon for Africa’s next generation of innovators,” while Senator Abubakar Mahadi commended the project for “turning dreams into institutional realities.”
Capt. Chris Najomo, the NCAA Director-General, pledged the agency’s full support to ensure global compliance and operational excellence.
As the ceremony drew to a close, guests described IBUAM as “the takeoff of a new Nigeria where innovation meets patriotism.”
With its bold motto — “Excellence in the Skies, Leadership on the Ground” — the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management officially takes flight as Africa’s first private university of its kind, merging aviation, management, and leadership education under one vision.
In Balami’s words: “Nobody will come to fix Nigeria for us. It is our duty to build it ourselves. IBUAM is our contribution — our runway to a brighter, stronger Africa.”
