Nigeria's Aviation Minister Addresses Shortage of Air Traffic Controllers with New University Initiative

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, raises concerns about the shortage of qualified professionals, particularly air traffic controllers, in the country's aviation industry. Keyamo disclosed plans to address this shortfall by recalling retired personnel and establishing the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) in Abuja.

The IBUAM aims to enhance technical expertise and reduce reliance on expatriate professionals in the aviation sector. Keyamo emphasizes the difficulty in producing skilled air traffic controllers and proposes measures like retaining retirees or extending their tenure.

The aviation industry in Africa is projected to grow rapidly, creating a demand for aviation professionals. Isaac Balami, the founder of IBUAM, notes the university's role in providing theoretical and practical training to meet this demand.