Ahmadu Bello University has agreed to mentor, develop and strengthen the proposed Faculty of Aeronautics and Space Engineering of African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU).
A statement from the Public Affairs Directorate Office of the VC said AAAU, a specialised university based in Abuja, is a public institution established by the Nigerian government and overseen by the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
The agreement was contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both institutions at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on Thursday, 24th September, 2026.
The deal is based on the strategic need to build indigenous capacity in aeronautics, aerospace, space engineering in Nigeria and Africa.
It is also on account of the long-established reputation of ABU as one of Africa’s leading engineering institutions with decades of excellence in engineering education, research and innovation.
The purpose of the MoU is to establish a framework for institutional collaboration aimed at mentoring the establishment of AAAU’s Faculty of Aeronautics and Space Engineering.
It also seeks to support curriculum design and academic programme development as well as facilitate staff capacity development.
Additionally, it is aimed at promoting collaborative teaching and research, and enhancing quality assurance.
According to the deal, ABU shall support AAAU in developing programmes, including B. Eng. Aeronautical Engineering, B. Eng. Aerospace Engineering, and B. Eng. Space Systems Engineering.
Other programmes expected to be developed through the collaboration are B. Eng. Avionics Engineering, B. Eng. Aircraft Systems Engineering as well as M. Eng and PhD programmes.
Both institutions shall collaborate towards establishing Centre for Aeronautics Research, Space Technology Centre, UAV Innovation Centre, Advanced Manufacturing Centre, Propulsion Laboratory and Flight Simulation Centre.
The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, signed the MoU on behalf of the university.
Dr Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, who is the AAAU’s Ag. Vice-Chancellor, signed for the specialised institution.
The Registrar, Ahmadu Bello University, Rabiu Samaila; and the AAAU’s Ag. Registrar, Mr. Dennis Joseph Onwukwe, signed as witnesses.
ABU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Raymond B Bako and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi attendedthe MoU signing ceremony.
