For many young Nigerians dreaming of careers in aviation, the biggest challenge has always been accessing specialised training on real aircraft and industry-relevant skills.
That gap is what the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) in Lagos is aiming to fill.
IBUAM, Nigeria’s first private aeronautics university, is preparing to begin academic activities with an initial intake of 60 students, positioning itself as a hands-on alternative to conventional aviation training pathways.
Founded by aviation entrepreneur Isaac Balami, the university is built around a belief that Nigeria’s aviation challenges go beyond technical issues.
Balami, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Seven Star Global Airlines and Seven Star Global Hangar, argues that many Nigerian airlines fail not because of a lack of flying experience, but because of weak corporate culture and leadership.
According to him, several airline executives understand aviation operations but lack strong managerial and decision-making skills, a gap that often leads to poor choices and eventual airline collapse.
“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 currently offers five courses, including aeronautics, aerospace engineering, and electrical electronics, with plans to introduce more programmes in the future.
What sets the institution apart, however, is its strong emphasis on practical training.
The university is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a hangar, workshop, and modern aircraft maintenance and repair equipment. Balami revealed that students will spend over 1,000 hours in workshops and another 1,000 hours in the hangar during their training.
“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.”
The institution has also secured partnerships with leading global aircraft manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney, while attracting faculty members from Nigeria and the diaspora.
For instance, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor P.O. Jemitola, is a professor of Aerospace Engineering based in England, who has designed, built, and flown an aircraft — experience that directly feeds into the school’s practical learning model.
Interest in the university is already crossing regional lines. The Borno State Government has sponsored 54 students to study at IBUAM, with plans to expand enrolment to students from other states and countries.
Balami expressed appreciation to the Borno State Government and its people for their support and confidence in the institution.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, Dr Bala Isa, praised the university’s facilities and training structure, describing them as reassuring for parents and sponsors.
“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,” he said.
For young Nigerians interested in aviation, engineering, and technical leadership, IBUAM represents a growing shift toward skills-first, industry-linked education. As Nigeria looks to build a stronger aviation sector, institutions like this may play a key role in shaping professionals who can both fly aircraft and run airlines sustainably.
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