The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has commended Comrade Isaac Balami for founding the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), describing the initiative as a game-changer that would not only transform the aviation sector but also attract more Nigerians to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing the unveiling ceremony of the university, Keyamo commended the innovation and tenacity of Balami, how the young businessman had approached him with the dream of setting up an aviation university soon after his appointment as minister.
“The day I was being sworn in, Isaac Balami came to my office to reveal his visions for the aviation sector. He spoke passionately of having an MRO in Lagos and an aviation university. I am proud today to witness the realization of that dream,” Keyamo stated.
He praised the university as a pioneer in Africa integrating a flying school, professional aviation training, and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) in a single facility.
“This aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to strengthen the private sector and build human capital. IBUAM is not just a university; it is a legacy project that embodies innovation and patriotism,” the minister stated.
Keyamo also called on Balami to take a leadership role in mobilizing political support in Borno State, just as he welcomed the APC as being open to “new transfers” from other political divides.
Hon. Midala Balami, representative of Askira Uba Federal Constituency, commended the initiative as a sign of determination, adding that it has made the APC’s political base stronger in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his address, Isaac Balami thanked President Tinubu, Minister Keyamo, and other stakeholders for the encouragement, explaining that his investment in Nigeria despite the brain drain was inspired by a love for nation-building.
“The university is linked with our aircraft maintenance hangar in Lagos. It is our desire to have graduates aged 21 who can work anywhere in the world without being supervised,” Balami explained.
He urged governments and private entities to offer scholarships, adding that profits from the university would be returned to social impact initiatives through his foundation.
Addressing the event also, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, granted scholarships to 100 female students, adding that the project is in tandem with President Tinubu’s vision for women’s empowerment and inclusion in strategic areas.
The event drew dignitaries from across the country, including the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, lawmakers, and industry leaders.
