The National Universities Commission (NUC) has formally handed over the operational license for the immediate commencement of academic activities at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management.
President Bola Tinubu recently gave the green light to establish the university during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja.
The university’s approval, whose license had been pending for the past four years, had resulted in nationwide jubilation, especially among young Nigerians who, over the years, had been beneficiaries of the university’s owner, Comrade Isaac Balami’s, magnanimity.
During the license presentation held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja on Wednesday, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, charged the university and ten others who were presented with their licenses to think of Nigeria first and ensure professionalism in their operations.
He tagged the event as the dawn of a new chapter of a collective effort for better education in the country. He commended the desires of the promoters and proprietors to contribute to the Nigerian educational system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, also charged Balami, other promoters and proprietors of the approved universities to adhere to delivering the quality education that Nigerians deserve. He charged them to ensure they protect the current partnership.
Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the license, Balami praised President Bola Tinubu for breaking a four-year jinx by approving a university that had been in the pipeline for years.
He said the President has displayed an uncommon interest in the growth of the nation’s education, stating, “This could only happen under a man who places a premium on education stating that “This happening in just two years of Mr. President’s administration remains amazing and unprecedented.”
Balami, who owns one of the biggest airline maintenance companies and owner of 7star Global Hanger, said, “We have been working tirelessly for the past four years, and we are grateful for everyone’s contribution in ensuring this became a success. Success can only be delayed. It will surely come. This has brought succour to many families waiting patiently for the takeoff of this university.
“I give God all the glory and also those who allowed God to use him to stand for a common young man like me. At 35 years of age, I began this move. For four years, I was told it would not happen, but God used Mr President, and we have achieved this, at least while I’m still 40. This shows Mr President is a leader who pays attention and is ready to stand up for young people.
“We assure Nigerians that with the takeoff of our university, the first made-in-Nigeria plane will soon take off.
“This is not my university. It’s a university for all. Being a child of nobody and becoming somebody today will propel us to achieve this together.”
The university’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Jemitola, who was also present at the event, assured Nigerians that his extensive experience with the Air Force across Europe, America, and globally would greatly benefit the younger generation. He emphasised that significant developments were underway for Nigeria’s future.
Alvin Atsegwasi, who represents 88 agents responsible for admitting international students from Europe and America, praised the decision to locate the university in the heart of Lagos. He noted that the strategic location had already sparked interest from parents, saying, “A ‘jet’ is about to take off in the name of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management.”
