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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned contractors in the aviation sector not to deliver substandard work, emphasising that any contractor found to be doing so would be prosecuted.
He disclosed this on Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the permanent site of the African Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja.
“If any contractor is found wanting in cutting corners, we will not only terminate the contract but also ensure prosecution,” Keyamo declared.
Keyamo said the matriculating students from AAAU would not face unemployment due to the high demand for aviation experts in Nigeria, as the institution held the inaugural matriculation ceremony for 30 pioneer undergraduate students and 60 pioneer postgraduate students.
The minister stated that in pursuit of this mission, AAAU had been established as a centre of excellence, emphasising cutting-edge research and innovation in its academic programmes.
Keyamo said the institution is working in collaboration with international aviation education experts, as its curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience tailored to local needs.
He said a new vice chancellor will be announced soon, subject to the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
“I am pleased to also state here that a new vice chancellor will be announced soon, following the directive of Mr President. You should be rest assured that this appointment shall mark a significant step in consolidating your achievements thus far,” the minister said.
He praised the relationship between the AAAU and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau as a model of interagency collaboration.
“This site will house the construction of a Faculty of Aviation Management, two auditoriums with a collective seating capacity of 600, a School of Postgraduate Studies, a central library, and a research centre, among other key infrastructures.
“This was achievable with the approval of a take-off grant for capital projects by President Bola Tinubu through TETFund,” the minister stated.
He noted that the first phase of development for the university would include several key structures such as the Faculty of Aviation Management Building, the Postgraduate School Building, a 250-capacity auditorium, and a 350-capacity auditorium.
Others include a research centre, synoptic laboratory for meteorology, multipurpose laboratory, and initial fencing covering two kilometers along with two ceremonial gatehouses.
“We are confident that these projects will be completed within 48 weeks, thanks to TETFund for making the grant 100 per cent available and accessible,” Keyamo announced.
He highlighted the university’s plans to partner with the private sector for additional developments, including hostels, a clinic, a conference centre, and a hotel, leveraging its proximity to the airport
