Aviation experts from across the globe are attending an international research conference to advance innovation, training, and policy development in Africa’s aviation sector.
The First International Research Conference, themed “Innovative Multimodal Transportation Solutions, Regulatory and Policy Framework for Development and Sustainability,” brought together academics, policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders in Abuja to chart a path for the continent’s aviation future.
The Registrar of African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, described the collaboration as a bold step to reposition Nigeria as a hub for aviation research and innovation, noting that the university’s mandate is to bridge research gaps, build capacity, and provide homegrown solutions to Africa’s aviation challenges.
Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Danjuma Adamu, said the partnership expands NCAT’s six-decade-long legacy of aviation training into deeper research and innovation, stressing the importance of evidence-based approaches to sustainability, unmanned aircraft integration, and human capital development.
The Chairman of AAAU’s Governing Council, Bukar Goni, expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical solutions to significantly improve manpower development in the sector.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Innocent Ogwude, Nigeria’s foremost Professor of Transportation, while the former head of Bolivia’s Civil Aviation Authority and representative of ICAO in Montreal, Ricardo Garcia, delivered the lead paper.
With participation from global and African experts, the Abuja conference is being hailed as a turning point for aviation research and development, positioning Nigeria as a continental leader in aerospace innovation.
The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, organized the event.
PIAK