Nigeria has made history in aviation education as President Bola Tinubu officially approved the country’s first private aeronautic university, the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM). This landmark decision places Nigeria on the global map for aviation training and innovation, offering aspiring aviators world-class education in the field.
The approval was announced by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on March 3, 2025. IBUAM was one of ten universities approved during the session at the State House, sparking widespread celebration, especially among young Nigerians who have benefited from Comrade Isaac Balami’s generosity and vision. The approval had been pending for four years before receiving the presidential green light.
Isaac Balami, the founder of IBUAM, is a leading figure in Nigeria’s aviation industry and the CEO of 7Star Global Hangar and Airlines. Expressing his excitement, he described the university as a significant leap for Nigeria’s aviation sector. According to him, IBUAM aims to elevate Nigeria’s global aviation presence while also shaping the next generation of credible leaders.
In addition to launching the university, Balami actively invests in aviation training through the Isaac Balami Foundation, which is currently training 160 young Nigerians in various aviation disciplines. He emphasized that his passion for aviation stems from a deep love for Nigeria and a commitment to its growth.
Industry experts believe that with IBUAM’s establishment, Nigeria is poised for rapid growth in aeronautical education, strengthening its position as an African aviation hub. The university is expected to attract global partnerships, create job opportunities, and revolutionize aviation training, ensuring a brighter future for the nation’s aerospace industry.
