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Tag: IBUAM

  • Pilots training gets major boost as IBUAM partners Auxano Aviation to purchase 30 Jabiru aircraft

    Pilots training gets major boost as IBUAM partners Auxano Aviation to purchase 30 Jabiru aircraft

    The Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) has taken a bold step to further strengthen pilot training in Nigeria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Auxano Consulting Nigeria Limited, operating as Auxano Aviation, for the purchase of 30 Jabiru J430 training aircraft. The agreement is designed to expand the university’s aviation training capacity and support the development of skilled aeronautical professionals in the country.  

    The signing ceremony took place on Thursday during the Nigeria International Airshow event at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.  

    At the signing ceremony was the Founder and CEO of IBUAM, Isaac Balami and the Vice Chancellor who is a seasoned professor, AVM (Rtd) P.O Jemitola. 

    The MoU signing was also witnessed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Kayamo, who said that with the signing of the MoU and other activities, the airshow is considered to be the best ever held on African soil.  

    Under the terms of the MoU, Auxano Aviation, an authorized distributor of Jabiru Aircraft in Nigeria will deliver the aircraft in structured phases, supplying 10 aircraft every year and completing the full delivery of all 30 units within three years. The partnership is also expected to advance research, flight operations training, and general aviation development nationwide.

    The MoU outlines Auxano Aviation’s responsibilities, which include providing aircraft registration support, airworthiness documentation, initial spares, tools, and handbooks. The company will also offer familiarization training for IBUAM instructors and maintenance personnel, alongside periodic technical oversight and access to Jabiru-approved parts and services.  

    Speaking during the signing, IBUAM VC, Prof. Jemitola, said the acquisition represents a bold and strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s aviation workforce.

    According to him, “This partnership marks a significant boost to our training capacity. With 30 modern training aircraft coming in phases, IBUAM is positioning itself as a leading centre for world-class pilot training in Africa.”  

    He emphasized that the phased delivery model provides stability and ensures the institution can expand its training operations sustainably.

    Also speaking, the university founder, Isaac Balami said, “Receiving 10 aircraft every year allows us to scale progressively and maintain high safety and operational standards. It ensures that our students have consistent access to functional, and reliable training aircraft.”

    Balami also expressed confidence in Auxano Aviation’s technical depth and long-term support commitments.

    “Auxano Aviation is not only supplying aircraft; they are supplying expertise. Their technical support will help us maintain NCAA-compliant training and aircraft management practices,”he said. 

    In line with the MoU, IBUAM will deploy the aircraft strictly for student pilot training, aeronautical research, and flight operations programs. The university is required to maintain NCAA standards, ensure only qualified instructors and engineers operate the aircraft, and provide adequate hangarage, security, and operational infrastructure.  

    The MoU is effective immediately.

    Meanwhile, in part fulfillment of the agreement, two aircraft would be delivered to IBUAM in December this year while 10 would be received in 2026. Another set would be delivered in 2027 to complete the deal. 

    While some of the aircraft would be delivered in whole, others will be delivered in pieces and assembled by IBUAM and 7star GLobal Airlines, to form an additional training opportunity for students and other trainees. 

    The partnership is considered one of the largest aviation training aircraft acquisitions by a higher institution in Nigeria, an indication of a renewed drive to modernize pilot training and raise the bar in aviation education.

  • IBUAM: Keyamo, Midala, others hail Balami, say Tinubu will win Borno in 2027

    IBUAM: Keyamo, Midala, others hail Balami, say Tinubu will win Borno in 2027

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, has hailed Comrade Isaac Balami for establishing a private university, describing it as a development that will attract more people to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking at the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Keyamo said the “transfer season” was still open for anyone willing to join the APC, urging Balami to take charge of political mobilization in Borno State.

    Commending Balami’s energy and vision, the minister recalled how the young entrepreneur first presented his dream of an aviation university to him shortly after his appointment.

    “The moment I was sworn in as Minister of Aviation, one of the first people who came to my office was Isaac Balami. He shared his plans for the aviation sector. I remember it was around his 39th birthday. He told me he had just established an MRO in Lagos and that the Isaac Balami University was on the way,” Keyamo said.

    He expressed surprise and admiration for Balami’s initiative at such a young age, adding that he was inspired to support him until the university received approval.

    “This is another feather to my cap as Minister of Aviation. I can proudly say I’ve delivered my own polling unit in this sector. This aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to support the private sector and promote human capital development — two key pillars in our five-point agenda,” Keyamo added.

    He described IBUAM as a “revolutionary achievement,” noting that it is the first of its kind in Africa by combining a flying school, aviation professional training, and an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility under one umbrella.

    Also speaking, the member representing Askira Uba Federal Constituency, Hon. Midala Balami, praised the university’s founder, describing him as a symbol of resilience and determination. He said with the unveiling of IBUAM, political opposition in Borno had been weakened, and the stage set for President Tinubu’s victory in 2027.

    “Congratulations to Isaac Balami for completing 40 to 50 percent of the campaign for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

    Balami expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Keyamo, Seyi Tinubu, Captain Chris Najomo, and others who contributed to the success of the project. He said his decision to remain in Nigeria and invest locally, despite the ongoing brain drain, was driven by his passion to contribute to nation-building.

    Balami recounted his humble beginnings, noting how his parents sold their properties to support his education.

    “The university is not just another tertiary institution; it is tied to an aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility in Lagos. Our goal is to produce 21-year-old graduates who can work anywhere in the world without supervision,” he said.

    He called on state governments, ministries, agencies, and political leaders to sponsor students on scholarships, emphasizing that profits from the university would be reinvested into society through his foundation.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced scholarships for 100 female students willing to enroll in the university, noting that empowering young women in critical sectors aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for gender inclusion and national growth.

    The event was attended by dignitaries including the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, as well as senators, permanent secretaries, and captains of industry.

    The convener urged all candidates who scored cut off points of 200 and above to quickly go to https://www.ibuam.edu.ng/ to register.

    It assured candidates that most of its scholarships will come from development  agencies, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and North East Development Commission, NEDC.