The Founder, Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Isaac Balami, on Friday said the institution was conceived to address manpower shortages and leadership gaps in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Mr Balami spoke while hosting officials of the Borno State Government, who visited the university’s campus at Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos, to assess progress on its aviation scholarship programmes for the state’s indigenes.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, had earlier approved scholarship slots for 54 indigent youths to study piloting, aeronautical engineering and related aviation programmes at the institution.

Mr Balami explained that the university focused on producing pilots, aircraft engineers and systems experts through programmes designed to reposition Nigeria as a competitive source of skilled aviation professionals globally.

He said, “The National Universities Commission has licensed the institution to offer 11 programmes, including aerospace engineering, mechatronics and systems engineering with strong emphasis on industry-relevant practical training.

“Students will be exposed to intensive workshop and hangar activities, accumulating up to 1,000 hours of hands-on experience before graduation to meet international employability standards.”

The IBUAM founder recalled a period when the Nigerian Airways exported skilled manpower worldwide, saying that the institution aimed at restoring that status through disciplined training and sustained institutional support.

Mr Balami added that experienced professionals with technical and managerial backgrounds had been engaged as lecturers and instructors to ensure students receive practical, industry-driven mentorship throughout their studies.

The Borno State Government delegation led by the Executive Secretary, Borno State Scholarship Board, Dr Bala Isa, inspected the facilities, hostels and aviation training workshops during the visit.

Mr Isa said the facilities inspected were satisfactory, noting that the learning environment appeared adequate for students expected to commence their academic programmes shortly.

He stated that the state’s sponsorship of students reflected commitment to technical education and manpower development, particularly in specialised sectors vital to national economic growth.

Mr Isa observed that the university’s founder was a Borno indigene and former scholarship beneficiary, who continued to contribute to education through private sector investment in specialised training.

 (NAN)