The groundbreaking university aims to end the decades-long trend of African students spending millions abroad on pilot and aviation training.
For decades, aspiring African pilots have been forced to seek training in Europe and the United States, a costly journey that often remains out of reach for many.
On average, training a single pilot abroad costs over $30,000, covering tuition, accommodation, and licensing fees. In some cases, the cost of programs such as the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) can reach up to $130,000 in the U.S. and €80,000 in Europe.
The launch of IBUAM is designed to keep that investment, and the accompanying expertise, within Africa.
At a world press conference in Abuja on Friday, October 17, Isaac Balami, founder of IBUAM and one of Africa’s most prominent aviation entrepreneurs, shared his personal journey from humble beginnings to building an institution that will transform access to aviation education across the continent.
“My parents sold a property to pay barely 20% of my tuition. When I passed my aviation screening, the governor of Borno State stepped in and paid my fees. That single act changed my life, and now I want to give other young Africans that same opportunity,” Balami recounted.
Balami revealed that partnerships have been established with key institutions, including the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to fund scholarships for underprivileged students.
“The NDDC alone has built a structure that can take 1,000 students from 11 Niger Delta states. They’ve asked us to manage it and will handle tuition for qualified candidates. If you can’t afford it, we’ll advocate for you — just as people once did for me,” he explained.
A game-changer for African aviation
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, hailed the project as a turning point for Africa’s aviation sector, one that would not only nurture local talent but also attract billions in foreign investment through aircraft maintenance, training, and research centers.
“We’re already seeing global interest. We’ve concessioned airports to attract foreign investors, launched one of Africa’s largest MRO facilities in Lagos, and are working with Brazilian manufacturers and Chinese aviation giants like Comac to strengthen local capacity,” Keyamo told Business Insider Africa.
“For the first time, Africa will be able to train, lease, and maintain aircraft locally. That’s how we save money and build value,” Keyamo emphasised.
A new flight path for Africa
With the opening of IBUAM, Africa stands to save hundreds of millions of dollars annually that previously went to foreign training academies.
Beyond cost savings, experts say it will also help retain skilled professionals and boost self-sufficiency in a sector long dominated by external players.
“We’re not just training pilots; we’re training Africa’s future. Every dollar we keep in Africa strengthens our ability to soar higher together,” Balami stated.
