Baze University has taken a significant step towards achieving its goal of establishing the first private aviation school in Africa. The university has acquired two training aircraft from Austria, which will be used for practical flight training and expanding aviation operations. This development is expected to boost capacity in the aviation sector and contribute to national development.
The Pro-Chancellor of Baze University, Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed, revealed the acquisition of the training aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja. He stated that the acquisition significantly advances national development and boosts capacity in the aviation sector. The university aims to train at least 600 professionals in air traffic control, air rescue, and fire-fighting, subject to the approval of relevant regulatory bodies.
The Baze University Aviation School, located in Bwari, has the motto “Begin from the Sky”. The university plans to deliver an aerodrome hub measuring 1,800 metres by 30 metres, plus an additional 15 metres, at the heart of Abuja. The Coordinator of the Baze University Aviation School, retired Air Vice Marshal Aliyu Bello, stated that the acquired aircraft would be used for practical flight training and expanding aviation operations.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved two new full-time undergraduate programmes for Baze University, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session. The programmes are Aviation Management in the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences and Aerospace Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering. This development is expected to enhance the university's academic offerings and provide students with more opportunities.
The Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, expressed confidence that the university would become the first private university in Africa to operate its own aviation school. He noted that the quality of graduates from Baze University was already being recognised in the country, across Europe, the United States and selected African countries. The university's aviation school is expected to uplift the integrity of Nigeria across the world.
The Baze University Aviation School is developing a dedicated aviation facility on a large site in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory. The facility will feature a dedicated runway, a hangar, a terminal building, laboratories, and simulation centres. The university's aim is to provide students with hands-on experience alongside ground-school instruction, and the acquired aircraft will play a significant role in achieving this goal.
With the acquisition of the training aircraft and the approval of new undergraduate programmes, Baze University is poised to make a significant impact in the aviation sector. The university's commitment to providing quality education and training is evident in its investment in infrastructure and resources. The establishment of the aviation school is expected to have a positive impact on the country's aviation industry and economy.
Key points
- Baze University acquires two training aircraft from Austria to boost its aviation school.
- The university aims to train at least 600 professionals in air traffic control, air rescue, and fire-fighting.
- Baze University is expected to become the first private university in Africa to operate its own aviation school.
