NUC Issues Official License for Nigeria’s First Aeronautic University

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has formally handed over the approved license enabling the immediate commencement of academic activities at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management.

President Tinubu recently sanctioned the establishment of this university during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held at the State House in Abuja.

The institution, which had awaited approval for four years, has been met with widespread excitement nationwide, particularly from young people who have benefitted from the philanthropic efforts of its founder, Comrade Isaac Balami.

At the license presentation ceremony held Wednesday at the NUC headquarters in Abuja, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, called on the university and the other ten newly licensed institutions to put Nigeria first and maintain high standards in their administration.

He referred to the event as the beginning of a fresh chapter in the shared mission to improve the country’s educational landscape and applauded the dedication of both sponsors and owners for their commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s academic system.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, also encouraged Balami and the leaders of the newly approved universities to stay focused on delivering the quality education Nigerians expect and to protect the relationships they have already built.

In a separate message to the press shortly after the license handover, Balami expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for resolving the long-standing delay by giving the final go-ahead for the university.

He remarked that the president had shown remarkable dedication to advancing the country’s academic development, stating, “This could only happen under a man who places a premium on education,” and added, “This happening in just two years of Mr President’s administration remains amazing and unprecedented.”

Balami, who is the owner of one of the largest aviation maintenance firms and head of 7Star Global Hanger, said, “We have been working tirelessly for the past four years, and we are grateful for everyone’s contribution in ensuring this became a success. Success can only be delayed. It will surely come. This has brought succor to many families waiting patiently for the take-off of this university.”

“I give God all the glory and also those who allowed God to use him to stand for a common young man like me. At 35 years of age, I began this move. For four years, I was told it would not happen, but God used Mr. President, and we have achieved this, at least while I’m still 40. This shows Mr President is a leader who pays attention and is ready to stand up for young people.”

“We assure Nigerians that with the takeoff of our university, the first made-in-Nigeria plane will soon take off.”

“This is not my university. It’s a university for all. Being a child of nobody to becoming somebody today will propel us to achieve this together.”

The Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Paul Jemitola, who was also present at the occasion, pledged that his extensive background in the Air Force across Europe, America, and globally will benefit Nigeria’s youth, and said that remarkable developments are on the horizon for the nation.

Alvin Atsegwasi, representing 88 agents responsible for enrolling foreign students from Europe and the United States, said that choosing Lagos as the university’s location was a strategic decision that has already generated interest from parents. He said, “A ‘jet’ is about to take off in the name of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic Management.”