AAAU, ABU Partner On Aerospace Engineering Faculty, Distance Learning

Dr Nafisat Makinɗe

The African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the establishment of a Faculty of Aeronautical and Space Engineering at AAAU and explore collaboration in online distance learning.

The agreement was signed on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, following an earlier engagement between the two institutions in May on areas of mutual academic and institutional interest, according to information made available to the platform.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of AAAU, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, said the university was seeking ABU’s mentorship and expertise in developing the proposed faculty and exploring opportunities for online distance learning.

Abdullahi said the growing demand for specialised manpower in the aviation and aerospace sector made the proposed faculty increasingly important. He identified ABU as a strategic partner because of its experience in engineering education, online distance learning administration and its pool of experienced academics in the Faculty of Engineering.

He said the proposed distance learning collaboration would enable AAAU to accommodate international students and aviation professionals whose professional commitments require flexible learning options.

The Vice Chancellor of ABU, Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmad, welcomed the AAAU delegation and congratulated Abdullahi on pioneering a university dedicated to aviation and aerospace education.

Ahmad assured AAAU of ABU’s commitment to supporting its manpower development efforts, particularly through the Faculty of Engineering, and to providing expertise for the development of the proposed faculty.

The engagement concluded with representatives of both institutions signing the MOU, marking a step toward expanded academic cooperation in aeronautical and space engineering education and online distance learning.