The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, welcomed 126 new students into its academic community on 2 July 2026 during its 3rd Matriculation Ceremony held at the Festus Keyamo Building, AAAU Permanent Site Campus.
The event brought together the
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArB(UK), who was represented by the
Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, members of the Governing Council, representatives of heads of aviation agencies including NiMet, NSIB and NCAA, as well as staff, students, parents, and other invited guests.
The ceremony commenced with a brass band procession that ushered dignitaries and participants into the hall, creating a colourful and celebratory atmosphere. Following the arrival and seating of guests, the proceedings were formally set in motion with the rendition of the National Anthem, establishing a solemn and patriotic tone for the occasion.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, PhD, FINstTA, FCMI, thereafter declared the ceremony open and formally welcomed guests and the newly admitted students.
In his address, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, congratulated the matriculating students and urged them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence throughout their studies.
A total of 126 students comprising 52 undergraduates and 74 postgraduates took the matriculation oath, officially marking their admission into the AAAU community and the beginning of their academic journey.
The event also featured a lecture delivered by Dr. Richard O. Aisuebeogun on the theme, “Transforming Africa Through Aviation and Aerospace Education: The AAAU Vision.” The lecture highlighted the role of education, innovation, and capacity development in advancing Africa’s aviation and aerospace sector, while encouraging students to embrace excellence and leadership.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), host communities, and parents, all of whom commended the university’s progress and expressed continued support for its mission.
In the Minister’s address, delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to developing AAAU into Africa’s foremost aviation and aerospace institution. He described the university as a strategic investment aimed at addressing Africa’s growing shortage of skilled aviation professionals and strengthening human capital development.
Following the conclusion of the matriculation ceremony, attention shifted to the future of the institution as dignitaries and university officials proceeded to the sites of three major development projects for a groundbreaking ceremony. The projects; the Junior Staff Quarters, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Air and Space Law are expected to strengthen the university’s academic and physical infrastructure, while enhancing learning, research, and staff welfare.
The event reflected AAAU’s continued growth and its commitment to building a strong academic community supported by modern infrastructure and a clear vision for excellence in aviation and aerospace education.
