Bridging the Gap: United Nigeria Airlines and ABUAD Partner to Train Future Aerospace Engineers

In a move that promises to reshape the technical landscape of Nigeria’s aviation sector,United Nigeria Airlines (UNA)andAfe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)have officially joined forces. In early February 2026, the two institutions signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to transform how aeronautical and aerospace engineering students move from the classroom to the cockpit—or more accurately, the hangar.

This partnership is not just a corporate agreement; it is a bridge over the “experience gap” that has long plagued Nigerian graduates. By combining one of Africa’s leading private universities with one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing airlines, the initiative aims to cultivate a homegrown pool of world-class aviation professionals.

A 10-Year Vision for Excellence

The MoU, signed at a high-profile ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, establishes arenewable 10-year partnership. At its core, the agreement allows final-year students from ABUAD’s College of Engineering to participate in a robust, hands-on training program through theStudent Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

Under this arrangement, approximately20 students annuallywill be embedded within United Nigeria Airlines’ operations. Crucially, the airline has committed to fully funding this industry-based training, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of talent.

Bridging the Practicality Gap

For years, the complaint from the aviation industry has been that graduates possess theoretical knowledge but lack “grease-under-the-fingernails” experience.Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, addressed this head-on during the signing.

“Sustainability and growth in aviation depend on deliberate efforts to mentor young professionals,” Okonkwo noted. “We aren’t just looking for employees; we are looking to build the architects of Nigeria’s future airspace.”

The students will gain exposure to:

• Aircraft Maintenance: Working alongside certified engineers on the airline’s fleet.
• Aerospace Operations: Understanding the complex logistics of flight scheduling and safety protocols.
• Real-World Safety Standards: Learning the rigorous NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) compliance measures in a live environment.

Why ABUAD?

The choice of Afe Babalola University was no coincidence. Known for its strict discipline and academic rigor, ABUAD has quickly become a beacon of excellence in engineering. The university’s Founder and Chancellor,Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has long advocated for “functional education”—learning that translates into national development.

Vice-ChancellorProf. Smaranda Olarindeemphasized that this partnership provides students with a “globally competitive” edge. By the time these students graduate, they won’t just have a degree; they will have hundreds of hours of documented experience with a commercial airline.

Impact on the Nigerian Traveler

While this is an educational partnership, the benefits trickle down directly to the Nigerian flying public. By nurturing local talent:

1. Safety & Reliability: More hands-on trained engineers mean higher maintenance standards and fewer technical delays.
2. Local Expertise: Reducing the reliance on expensive expatriate engineers helps airlines manage costs, which can lead to more stable ticket pricing.
3. Industry Sustainability: A steady pipeline of local professionals ensures that the Nigerian aviation industry remains resilient against global “brain drain.”

A Call for Synergy

Beyond the training of students, both Aare Afe Babalola and Prof. Okonkwo used the occasion to call for a stronger “Academia-Government-Industry” triad. They noted that global powers like the US and China advanced by relying heavily on university research to solve national problems.

The partnership coincides with a historic moment for the region: United Nigeria Airlines recently commenced flight operations into the newly commissionedAdo-Ekiti airport, fulfilling a lifelong dream of the university’s founder to see his home state connected to the world by air.

The Road Ahead

As United Nigeria Airlines approaches its fifth year of commercial operations, this MoU stands as a testament to its “People First” philosophy. For the students of ABUAD, the sky is no longer the limit—it’s the classroom.

The post Bridging the Gap: United Nigeria Airlines and ABUAD Partner to Train Future Aerospace Engineers appeared first on Travel and Tour World