The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen academic cooperation, particularly in the establishment of the Faculty of Aeronautical and Space Engineering at AAAU.
The agreement provides a framework for both institutions to explore collaboration in Online Distance Learning (ODL), in line with the growing demand for flexible and specialised education in the aviation and aerospace sector.
The latest engagement followed an earlier meeting between the two institutions in May 2026, during which areas of mutual academic and institutional interest were discussed.
Speaking during the engagement, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor of AAAU, Abuja, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, Ph.D., said the University was seeking the mentorship, technical expertise and institutional support of ABU, Zaria towards the successful establishment of its proposed Faculty of Aeronautical and Space Engineering.
Dr. Abdullahi said, the increasing demand for highly skilled manpower in the aviation and aerospace industry makes the establishment of the Faculty both timely and necessary.
He explained that ABU, Zaria was a strategic partner for the initiative, given its longstanding experience in engineering education and the depth of expertise within its Faculty of Engineering.
Dr. Abdullahi also disclosed that AAAU, Abuja was exploring opportunities to collaborate with ABU Zaria in the area of Online Distance Learning, noting that the older institution’s experience in ODL would be valuable to AAAU as it develops its own programmes.
He said the proposed collaboration would help AAAU reach a wider pool of students, including international students and working professionals in the aviation sector who may find it difficult to participate in conventional full-time academic programmes because of the nature of their professional commitments.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmad, welcomed the AAAU delegation and commended the Ag. Vice-Chancellor for taking on the responsibility of pioneering a university dedicated to aviation and aerospace education.
Prof. Ahmad assured AAAU, Abuja of ABU Zaria’s commitment to supporting the University’s manpower development objectives, particularly through the expertise of its Faculty of Engineering.
He expressed the University’s readiness to provide the necessary academic support and collaboration towards the establishment and development of the proposed Faculty of Aeronautical and Space Engineering.
The partnership marks an important step in strengthening academic cooperation between AAAU and ABU Zaria, while laying the foundation for deeper collaboration in engineering education, postgraduate studies, Online Distance Learning and the development of specialised manpower for Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace industry.
It is also expected to contribute to the growth of aviation and aerospace education by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, academic mentorship and capacity development between the two institutions.
Head, Public Relations
African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU)
