The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, has lauded Comrade Isaac Balami for the establishment of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, calling it a landmark achievement likely to galvanize support for the All Progressives Congress. Speaking at the university’s unveiling, Keyamo encouraged those considering political alignment to see the “transfer season” as an open invitation, urging Balami to spearhead political mobilisation in Borno State.
Reflecting on Balami’s journey, Keyamo highlighted the young entrepreneur’s energy and vision. He recalled that shortly after taking office as minister, Balami visited him to share his dream of founding an aviation-focused university.
“I remember it was around his 39th birthday when he came to my office,” Keyamo recounted. “He had just launched a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in Lagos and shared plans for this university. His determination inspired me to support him until the project received approval.”
Keyamo emphasized the strategic significance of the university, describing it as a milestone in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to strengthen the private sector and human capital development, central pillars of the government’s five-point agenda. He hailed the institution as a revolutionary initiative — the first in Africa to integrate a flying school, professional aviation training, and an aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility within a single university.
Hon. Midala Balami, representing Askira Uba Federal Constituency, echoed these sentiments, celebrating Isaac Balami as a symbol of resilience and determination. He noted that the creation of the university not only fortifies the APC’s presence in Borno but also positions President Tinubu strongly for the 2027 elections.
“Congratulations to Isaac Balami for completing a significant part of the groundwork for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign,” he said.
Comrade Isaac Balami, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Minister Keyamo, Seyi Tinubu, Captain Chris Najomo, and others whose support was instrumental in bringing the university to life. Balami highlighted his commitment to national development, emphasizing his choice to remain in Nigeria and invest locally despite the challenges of brain drain.
He shared insights into his humble beginnings, recalling how his parents sacrificed their own assets to fund his education. “This university is more than a tertiary institution; it is directly linked to an aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility in Lagos. Our mission is to produce 21-year-old graduates capable of working anywhere in the world independently,” he said.
Balami also called on governments, agencies, and political leaders to sponsor students through scholarships, stressing that profits from the university would be channeled back into society through his foundation.
