African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) Strengthens Aeronautical Engineering with Strategic Cooperation Agreement
Abuja, Nigeria – Monday, 4th March, 2024
The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) is set to revolutionize the aviation industry in Africa with the establishment of a world-class Aeronautics Engineering Faculty in its main Abuja campus. This groundbreaking initiative, part of the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), aims to provide highly trained human resources and position AAAU at the forefront of Aeronautical Engineering in Africa.
Under the visionary leadership of the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Aviation sector has witnessed a renewed commitment to improvement and progress. The appointment of Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development is a testament to the President’s unwavering conviction and determination.
To further enhance the development of the aviation industry, AAAU’s Registrar, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, led a high-level delegation to Budapest, Hungary, to inspect the state-of-the-art facility of Magnus Aircraft Manufacturing ZRT. Magnus is a renowned developer and manufacturer of ultra-light and light sport aircraft, and their collaboration with AAAU holds great promise for the advancement of aviation technology in Nigeria and the West African region.
During the visit, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi and the AAAU delegation, accompanied by Mr. Christopher Omoaghe, Special Adviser to the Minister on Special Projects and Duties, Engr. Masud Aliyu Yerima, Director of Works and Planning of AAAU, Mr. Kizito Ofornagoro, and Mr. Haruna Madisca of Kerberos Consulting Limited, Mr. Andre P. Deri, the Hungarian Consul- General to Nigeria, Mr. Francis Virág, consulting engineer/designer were highly impressed with the production chain and technical department of Magnus Aircraft Manufacturing. This fruitful interaction paved the way for the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will define the long-term framework cooperation between AAAU and Magnus.
The draft MOU outlines key activities that both parties will undertake to facilitate the improvement and localization of Magnus Aircraft for the Nigerian market. Magnus intends to establish its Nigerian subsidiary within the premises of AAAU in Abuja, where they will provide expertise, parts, and accessories for the assembly and partial manufacturing of Magnus Fusion aircraft. Additionally, AAAU will provide the necessary workshop facilities, hangars, and trained personnel for the assembly and manufacturing process. The completed Magnus Fusion aircraft will also be maintained by AAAU’s expert staff.
With a strong commitment to knowledge transfer, Magnus will provide a comprehensive two-week training course in Hungary for AAAU personnel, including engineers and instructor pilots. This collaboration will not only strengthen the technical capabilities of AAAU but also create opportunities for local talent to contribute to the growth of the aviation industry.
The strategic cooperation between AAAU and Magnus Aircraft Manufacturing is a significant milestone in the effort to establish Nigeria as a reputable global provider in all fields of aviation training. This partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to enhance the Nigerian Aviation sector and underscores the Honorable Minister’s dedication to achieving excellence in the industry.
Signed:
Sa’adatu Usman
Public Relations Officer AAAU, Abuja Nigeria.