A bill to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja has advanced in the House of Representatives.

During a public hearing on Wednesday, the House Committee on Aviation Technology engaged stakeholders from across the aviation sector to discuss the proposal.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, said the university is designed to meet the “pressing need” for specialised skills and research in aviation and aerospace—key drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth.

He added that the institution would deliver world-class education and training while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

“The national assembly make bold to state that the major benefit of the proposed bill will be the development of a skilled workforce that can contribute to Nigeria’s economic development and growth, enhance our aviation infrastructure and services, making Nigeria a hub for aviation and aerospace in Africa,” Abbas said.

Tajudeen Abisodun, the committee chairman, said the citadel, when fully operational, will position Nigeria as a continental leader in aviation technology, aerospace innovation, and human capital development.

“Let us be clear: this university is not just for Nigeria. It is for Africa. It is a bold declaration that we are ready to lead, innovate, and educate at the highest levels. With Abuja as its home, the university will serve as a beacon of progress for the continent,” he stated.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Ibrahim Kana, said the concept of the university was first conceived in 2016 after assessments revealed significant manpower and capacity gaps within Nigeria’s aviation sector and across Africa.

He explained that a manpower audit conducted by the ministry at the time showed that Nigeria spent over N8 billion annually on foreign aviation training, while fewer than 15 percent of professionals under 40 held postgraduate qualifications in aviation management, safety, or aerospace fields.

Kana said the findings underscored the urgent need for Africa to build its own high-level aviation and aerospace capacity to enhance safety, innovation, and global competitiveness.

“Nigerian government took the decisive position to take the centre stage to pioneer this initiative for Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” he said
In their submission, the management, staff, and students of the institution expressed gratitude to the parliament for considering the bill to formally establish the university.