The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, in collaboration with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has taken a bold step towards addressing the manpower deficit in Nigeria’s aviation sector through research, training, and innovation.
This was the focus of the First International Research Conference, jointly organized by the two institutions in Abuja, with the theme: “Innovative Multimodal Transportation Solutions, Regulatory and Policy Framework for Development and Sustainability.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Registrar of AAAU, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi described the partnership as a landmark initiative that will reposition the aviation and aerospace sector in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to him, “today is more than a gathering of academics, policymakers, regulators and industry practitioners. It is the manifestation of the vision of our founding fathers that this institution becomes a true center of academic excellence and a hub for research and development in aviation and aerospace.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasized that the mandate of AAAU has always been to close research gaps, develop manpower, and provide homegrown solutions to Africa’s aviation and transportation challenges. He added that the conference serves as a turning point in deepening the relationship between academia, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in the aviation sector.
In addition, the Rector of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma Ismaila Adamu highlighted that the collaboration with AAAU expands NCAT’s six-decade-long legacy of aviation training into the domain of research and innovation. He explained that challenges such as sustainability, safety oversight, unmanned aircraft integration, and human capital development demand a research-driven, evidence-based approach.
“This conference provides a rare and vital platform for scholars, regulators, and industry stakeholders to converge, share insights, and craft solutions that are uniquely tailored to Africa’s context, while aligning with global best practices,” Dr. Adamu stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Governing Council of AAAU, Alhaji Dr. Bukar Goni expressed confidence that the conference will generate practical solutions that will significantly improve manpower development in the aviation industry.
The Keynote Address on the conference theme was delivered by Prof. Innocent Ogwude, foremost Professor of Transportation in Nigeria, while the Lead Paper was delivered by Capt. Ricardo Garcia, PhD, the former head of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Bolivia and a representative of ICAO, Montreal, Canada.
This was followed by goodwill messages from distinguished participants. The conference proceedings continued today with further paper presentations and discussions.
