The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have entered into a partnership to strengthen aeronautical and space engineering education and develop specialised manpower for Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace industry.
The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) providing a framework for academic cooperation, particularly the establishment and development of a proposed Faculty of Aeronautical and Space Engineering at AAAU.
According to a statement on Friday, signed by the Head of Public Relations, African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), the agreement also covers opportunities for collaboration in Online Distance Learning (ODL), as AAAU seeks to expand access to specialised aviation and aerospace education for students, working professionals and international learners.
Speaking during the engagement, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, Ag. Vice-Chancellor of AAAU, said the university was seeking the mentorship, technical expertise and institutional support of ABU Zaria towards establishing the proposed faculty.
Abdullahi said the growing demand for highly skilled manpower in the aviation and aerospace industry made the initiative necessary, adding that ABU Zaria was a strategic partner because of its long-standing experience in engineering education and expertise within its Faculty of Engineering.
He said the collaboration would enable AAAU to draw from ABU Zaria’s academic and technical experience as it develops programmes in aeronautical and space engineering.
Abdullahi also said AAAU was exploring collaboration with ABU Zaria in ODL, noting that the university’s experience in distance learning would support AAAU’s plans to develop flexible academic programmes.
According to him, ODL would enable the university to reach a wider pool of learners, including international students and aviation professionals who may be unable to participate in conventional full-time programmes because of their work commitments.
The partnership followed an earlier meeting between the two institutions in May 2026, where areas of mutual academic and institutional interest were identified.
Responding, Adamu Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor of ABU Zaria, welcomed the AAAU delegation and commended the university’s initiative to develop specialised education focused on aviation and aerospace.
Ahmad assured AAAU of ABU Zaria’s commitment to supporting its manpower development objectives, particularly through the expertise of its Faculty of Engineering.
He said ABU Zaria was ready to provide academic support and collaborate on the establishment and development of the proposed Faculty of Aeronautical and Space Engineering.
The partnership is expected to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, academic mentorship, postgraduate studies, capacity development and the deployment of ODL programmes.
It also comes as Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sector requires specialised technical manpower to support the development and adoption of emerging technologies and strengthen the country’s capacity across the aviation and space value chain.
The collaboration between the two universities is therefore expected to deepen engineering education while creating a pipeline of skilled professionals for Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace industry.
COURTESY: Businessday
