Baze University Unveils Two Diamond Aircraft, Targets Training of 600 Aviation Professionals
Oru Leonard
Baze University, Abuja, has strengthened its commitment to aviation education and manpower development with the acquisition of two brand-new Diamond DA40 aircraft for its aviation school in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory.
The aircraft, which arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday evening, were welcomed with a ceremonial water-cannon salute.
The acquisition forms part of the university’s ambitious plan to train at least 600 professionals in specialised areas of the aviation industry, including pilot training, air traffic control, air rescue and firefighting, subject to regulatory approvals.
Speaking at the arrival ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, described the development as a major milestone for the university and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He said the initiative was designed to build local aviation capacity, produce highly skilled professionals and position Nigeria more competitively in the global aviation sector.
Baba-Ahmed disclosed that the university was developing its aviation school on a 92-hectare site in Bwari, with construction work already about 50 per cent completed since January.
According to him, the proposed facility will feature an 1,800-metre-long and 30-metre-wide aerodrome, with an additional 15-metre shoulder, alongside other aviation training infrastructure.
He described the project as a significant investment in national development, noting that a privately owned university undertaking an aviation infrastructure project of such magnitude was a remarkable achievement.
The Pro-Chancellor acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and other relevant government institutions.
He explained that Nigeria’s geographical advantage and enormous opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, oil and gas made the development of a strong aviation sector imperative.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Aviation School project, retired Air Vice Marshal Aliyu G. Bello, said the newly acquired aircraft would be used for practical flight training as the institution prepares to commence its pilot training programme.
Bello disclosed that the aircraft were brand-new and procured from Austria, adding that the university planned to acquire more aircraft, including twin-engine planes, as well as flight simulators to expand its training capacity.
He listed the proposed aviation facilities as including a runway, hangar, terminal building, laboratories and simulation centres.
He further announced that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had approved two full-time undergraduate programmes for the university, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The programmes are Aviation Management, under the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, and Aerospace Engineering, under the Faculty of Engineering.
According to him, the integration of academic instruction with practical flight training would equip students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience required to compete in the aviation industry.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, described the acquisition as a landmark achievement that places Baze University in a distinctive position within Africa’s higher education sector.
He said the institution was the first privately owned university in Africa to establish an aviation school with its own aircraft and dedicated training facilities.
Adeniyi also highlighted the significance of the investment, comparing it with the University of South Africa, which he identified as the first publicly owned university on the continent to establish an aviation training school.
He credited the achievement to the vision and commitment of the university’s Founder and Chancellor, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, particularly his investment in aviation education and infrastructure.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the aviation school would become an important centre for producing competent aviation professionals to serve Nigeria and the wider African aviation industry.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune
Photo Credit: Nigeria World
