The establishment of the University of the African Aviation and Aerospace University has received stakeholders’ support at a public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology.
This was made known through a statement made available to The PUNCH by the committee on Thursday.
The committee said the hearing was held to advance legislative efforts for the formal establishment of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja.
When fully operational, the African Aviation and Aerospace University is expected to be a pioneering institution in the region, offering specialized training and research in aviation and aerospace technologies.
According to the statement, the hearing, which brought together a broad spectrum of key stakeholders from across the aviation and aerospace sectors, aimed to enrich and support the bill seeking to establish the university through an Act of Parliament.
The statement partly reads, “The occasion which took place at the Conference Rm 231 of the House of Representatives was well attended by various prime Stakeholders cutting across the whole gamut of the Aviation and related industries,who made their respective presentations towards enrichment of the Bill.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Kana, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to the university project and the importance of legislative backing for its long-term success.
Also, the Pro-Chancellor of AAAU and former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji, highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as “a major step in institutionalizing the university through legislative means.”
Notable participants included representatives from the Office of the Chief of Air Staff, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigeria Meteorological Agency.
Others include, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, among others.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, who spoke through the House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, reiterated the commitment of the House to drive the bill through legislative channels.
In his closing remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Tajudeen Abiodun, expressed gratitude to attendees and assured that the committee would give the bill “expedited attention to ensure its timely passage.”
Earlier, representing the Senate Committee on Aviation Technology, Patrick Ndubueze, also pledged the Senate’s support and assured stakeholders of concurrence when the bill reaches the upper chamber.
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