The Federal Government has renamed the Ministry of Aviation to Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace.
The new name was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at a meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, May 17.
The Minister for Aviation Hadi Sirika, made this disclosure to newsmen after the FEC meeting and noted that aerospace and aviation are now intertwined due to advancements in the sectors.
He added that the country had to set policies in line with changing times. Already, according to him, some of the policies have been approved by the FEC.
“The Council also approved the draft National Civil Aviation Policy, which is geared towards the strengthening of the civil aviation sector,” Sirika said.
In another story, the Ministry of Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nile University for the establishment of the African Aerospace and Aviation University (AAAU) in Abuja.
According to the statement which was sighted by THE PORTWAY, learning in the institution would be both physical and virtual. The agreement between the two parties allows the AAAU to enjoy research support from Nile University for the first two years of the programme.
“We are glad that in accordance to convention, norm and practice of the Nigerian University Commission, we are partnering with Nile University of Nigeria for support and take off of this University with the core mandate of aerospace aviation and aeronautical science,” Sirika said, after the signing ceremony.
Sirika stated the AAAU would begin offering Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees in Aviation Business, Meteorology and include a Masters of Science (M.Sc.) in Aviation Management after getting approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also noted that the university would be jointly controlled through a public-private sector arrangement for a while, after which it will become fully private.
Recall that THE PORTWAY had reported that the approval by the FEC for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to be concessioned for 20 years and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano for 30 years, which the Ministry said is in alignment with the Aviation Roadmap, approved by President Muhammadu Buhari on 18th October 2016.
