FUTIA Pledges Partnership with Ibom Air to Strengthen Aviation Manpower Development

The Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) has pledged its commitment to partnering with airlines operating in Nigeria to develop the skilled manpower required to drive the country’s aviation industry.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Leo Daniel, made the commitment on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, during the official reception and water cannon ceremony held for the brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft procured by the Akwa Ibom State Government for Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking on behalf of the university, Professor Daniel said FUTIA was strategically positioned to support the expansion of Ibom Air and other aviation operators through specialised manpower training.

“As Ibom Air is expanding and increasing her fleets, routes and operations, the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) is strategically positioned and committed to training various categories of manpower needed to drive the aviation sector,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.

He noted that Aerospace Engineering was the university’s flagship degree programme and said the institution was positioned to play a critical role in the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry through stronger collaboration between academia and industry.

“Our flagship degree programme in the University is Aerospace Engineering and we are positioned to playing critical role in the growth of the industry to exemplify institutional-industry collaboration,” he added.

Professor Daniel, who is the first Professor of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in Nigeria, congratulated the Akwa Ibom State Government, led by Governor Umo Eno, and the management of Ibom Air for the investment in the aviation sector.

He said the investment had contributed to giving Ibom Air a prominent position among airlines at both the sub-national and national levels, particularly with the airline’s growing international routes, services and value addition to stakeholders.

The Vice-Chancellor further expressed FUTIA’s readiness to partner with Ibom Air as well as the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development at both the state and federal levels to advance the government’s vision for the aviation sector.

Professor Daniel also used the occasion to call on investors and other stakeholders to partner with the university in its ongoing efforts to establish an aerodrome.

According to him, the proposed facility would provide opportunities for training, retraining, learning and research for students of Aerospace Engineering and other stakeholders in the aviation sector, while contributing to the development of indigenous manpower for the industry.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the university management and the entire university community, congratulated the government and people of Akwa Ibom State on the commissioning of 39 life-touching projects as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.