Aviation School or Political U-Turn? Datti’s Visit to Keyamo Sparks Debate

By Passman Akpos

The Federal Government has expressed strong support for the proposed establishment of an Aviation School by Baze University, Abuja, with plans to site the facility in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), disclosed this after receiving a high-powered delegation from Baze University, led by Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, Chancellor of the institution, on a working visit earlier on Thursday.

According to the Minister, discussions at the meeting centred on Baze University’s proposal to set up an aviation training school complete with its own runway for pilot training and other aviation-related courses.

“I assured them of the full cooperation and support of the Federal Government towards the realisation of the project and immediately directed my Permanent Secretary and all relevant aviation agencies to hasten all bureaucratic processes to ensure its take-off,” Keyamo said.

The proposed Aviation School is expected to contribute to human capacity development in the aviation sector, create employment opportunities, and support Nigeria’s drive to strengthen local training and reduce dependence on foreign aviation institutions.

However, the development has also generated wide public debate, particularly on social media, where reactions have ranged from commendation to political criticism. While some Nigerians praised the initiative as a forward-looking investment capable of stimulating economic growth and job creation, others questioned Baba-Ahmed’s political posture, given his past criticisms of the current administration.

Supporters of the project argued that economic development initiatives should be separated from partisan politics, stressing that private investment in education and infrastructure should be encouraged regardless of political affiliations. Critics, on the other hand, urged the Aviation Ministry and regulatory agencies to ensure strict adherence to due process, especially considering the sensitive nature of aviation infrastructure within the Federal Capital Territory.

Despite the mixed reactions, officials maintain that the project, if approved after meeting all regulatory requirements, could help reposition Nigeria as a regional hub for aviation training and skills development.

The Ministry of Aviation has not announced a timeline for final approval, but reaffirmed that all statutory procedures and security considerations will be fully observed before the project takes off.