Nigeria has officially welcomed its first aeronautics-focused university, Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, following license approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The long-awaited green light comes after a four-year wait and has sparked celebration across the country, particularly among young Nigerians inspired by the university’s founder, Isaac Balami.
The license was formally presented at the NUC headquarters in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, urged the new university and others licensed alongside it to stay committed to professionalism and national development. He described the approval as the beginning of a new era for quality education in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, encouraged the university’s promoters to maintain strong academic standards and focus on delivering quality education to Nigerians.
Isaac Balami, a former aircraft engineer and founder of 7Star Global Hangar, shared his excitement and gratitude in a statement to journalists. He credited President Bola Tinubu for ending the long delay and showing a strong commitment to education.
“This could only happen under a man who places a premium on education,” Balami said. “This happening in just two years of Mr President’s administration remains amazing and unprecedented.”
He reflected on the challenges he faced during the journey to approval and expressed pride in achieving this milestone while still 40 years old.
“At 35 years of age, I began this move. For four years, I was told it would not happen, but God used Mr President and we have achieved this,” he said.
“This is not my university. It’s a university for all. Being a child of nobody to becoming somebody today will propel us to achieve this together.”
Balami also hinted at future goals, stating that the university aims to produce Nigeria’s first locally built aircraft.
Professor Paul Jemitola, Acting Vice Chancellor of the new university, shared his optimism and promised that his international experience in the Air Force would help shape future Nigerian aviation experts.
Meanwhile, Alvin Atsegwasi, who represented 88 international student agents from Europe and America, described the university’s Lagos location as a smart choice. According to him, interest from parents abroad has already begun to rise.
“A jet is about to take off in the name of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management,” he said.
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