The Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Lagos, is poised to revolutionise the Nigerian aviation industry through its innovative approach to training the next generation of aviation professionals.
The university, which is the first private aeronautics institution in Nigeria, is set to commence academic activities with an initial intake of 60 students.

The founder of IBUAM, Isaac Balami, attributed the short lifespan of airlines in Nigeria to a lack of corporate culture and leadership.
He noted that many airline executives have sufficient industry experience but lack managerial skills, leading to poor decision-making and ultimately, airline failures.

“We want to change this narrative,” Balami said during a visit by officials of the Borno State government to the university’s campus.

“Our university is designed to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable in their field, but also equipped with the skills and leadership qualities needed to succeed in the aviation industry.”

IBUAM offers five courses, including aeronautics, aerospace engineering, and electrical electronics, with plans to introduce more courses in the future.
The university has state-of-the-art facilities, including a hangar, workshop, and modern equipment for aircraft maintenance and repair.

Balami, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Seven Star Global Airlines and Seven Star Global Hangar, emphasised that the university’s training approach is hands-on, with students spending over 1,000 hours in the workshop and another 1,000 hours in the hangar.

“Our students will be exposed to the nitty-gritty of the industry,” he said. “They will work on real aircraft, repair landing gear, brakes, and engines, and even design and build their own aircraft.”

Already, he disclosed that the school has a partnership with leading aircraft manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney, and has attracted faculty members from Nigeria and the diaspora who are experts in their fields.
For instance, Balami noted that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. P.O. Jemitola, is a professor of Aerospace Engineering from England, who has designed, built, and flown an aircraft.

The Borno State government has sponsored 54 students to study at IBUAM, and hopes to enroll more students from other states and countries in the future.

Balami expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Borno State for their support and encouragement.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, Dr Bala Isa, commended Balami and his team for establishing the university and praised the facilities and arrangements put in place for students.

He said: “We are impressed with what we have seen. The students are in good hands, and we are confident that they will receive the best training in aeronautics and management.”
IBUAM’s innovative approach to aviation education is expected to have a significant impact on the industry in Nigeria and beyond.

With its state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and hands-on training, the university is poised to produce graduates equipped to succeed in the aviation industry and contribute to the country’s economic development.