Keyamo vows to prosecute contractors caught cutting corners

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has warned against substandard construction work, promising stringent measures against any contractor found cutting corners.

The minister made this statement at the groundbreaking of the African Aviation and Aerospace University’s permanent site in Abuja on Wednesday.

“If any contractor is found wanting in cutting corners, we will not only terminate the contract but also ensure prosecution,” Keyamo said.

The minister also said that graduates of AAAU would not face unemployment problem due to the high demand for aviation experts in Nigeria.

He disclosed this during the inaugural matriculation ceremony for 30 pioneer undergraduate students and 60 pioneer postgraduate students.

He noted that in pursuit of this mission, AAAU has been established as a centre of excellence, emphasizing cutting-edge research and innovation in its academic programs.

Noting the collaboration of the university with international aviation education experts, he also said that AAAU’s curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, tailored to local needs.

Keyamo told the students that a new Vice chancellor will be announced soon, subject to the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

“I am pleased to also state here that a new Vice-Chancellor will be announced soon, following the directive of Mr. President. You should be rest assured that this appointment shall mark a significant step in consolidating your achievements thus far,” he said.

The minister praised the symbiotic relationship between AAAU and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau as a model of interagency collaboration.

“This site will house the construction of a Faculty of Aviation Management, two auditoriums with a collective seating capacity of 600, a School of Postgraduate Studies, a central library, and a research centre, among other key infrastructures.

“This was achievable with the approval of a take-off grant for capital projects by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through TETFund,” the minister stated.

Keyamo emphasised the critical support from Tinubu, saying, “The unwavering support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration, particularly Agenda 4 of my 5-point agenda, which focuses on addressing the human resource gap in the aviation sector.”

He added that the first phase of development for the university will include several key structures, such as the Faculty of Aviation Management Building, the Postgraduate School Building, a 250-capacity auditorium, a 350-capacity auditorium, a research centre, a synoptic laboratory for meteorology, a multipurpose laboratory, and initial fencing covering 2 kilometres along with two ceremonial gatehouses.

“We are confident that these projects will be completed within 48 weeks, thanks to TETFund for making the grant 100% available and accessible,” he announced.

The minister also highlighted the university’s plans to partner with the private sector for additional developments, including hostels, a clinic, a conference centre, and a hotel, leveraging its proximity to the airport.

He credited Tinubu for overcoming numerous challenges and placing the university on its current path.

“It is a tale of transformation from tenant to landlord. What began as an academic odyssey in 2023, utilising facilities belonging to a sister agency, has now culminated in the acquisition of approximately 200 hectares of land as a permanent site,” he concluded.