As part of its mission to provide world-class aviation training globally, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has partnered with the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) to support its educational needs and its goal of advancing a highly skilled aerospace workforce across the continent.

The agreement signed on Oct. 14 provides a framework for Embry-Riddle Worldwide to support the AAAU, an educational institution established by Nigeria to advance education, research, innovation and workforce development in Africa’s aviation and aerospace sectors.

Embry-Riddle will collaborate with AAAU to identify its educational and training requirements. The university will also develop opportunities to provide professional development courses and other programs to the AAAU through distance education and related initiatives.

“Embry-Riddle is honored to partner with the AAAU to support aviation and aerospace education programs that uphold the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety,” said Dr. John Watret, chancellor of Embry-Riddle Worldwide.

Founded in 2022 and based in Abuja, AAAU offers academic programs, professional training and applied research in aviation management, aeronautical engineering, aviation safety, meteorology, air transport management and other fields.

“This partnership with Embry-Riddle represents a significant milestone in AAAU’s commitment to advancing aviation and aerospace education in Africa,” said Acting AAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Mustapha Sheik Abdullahi, FInsTA, FCMI. “Building a competitive and sustainable aviation industry requires strong international collaborations, world-class training, cutting-edge research, and continuous professional development.”

Delegates from AAAU and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development at Embry-Riddle with Angela Albritton, director of Military Relations and Strategic Initiatives for Embry-Riddle Worldwide
Delegates from AAAU and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development at Embry-Riddle with Angela Albritton, director of Military Relations and Strategic Initiatives for Embry-Riddle Worldwide. (Photo: Embry-Riddle)

Leading the AAAU delegation to Embry-Riddle, Abdullahi said the AAAU would leverage the partnership to expand access to quality aviation education, strengthen the university’s academic and professional training programs, and explore opportunities for distance learning and executive development.

“Our shared vision is to develop a new generation of highly skilled aviation and aerospace professionals equipped to meet the evolving demands of the industry and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s aviation future,” he added.

Boeing forecasts that Africa will need 75,000 additional aviation workers, including 22,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians and 28,000 cabin crew, by 2045. The commercial aircraft fleet is expected to more than double during that time, as a young and increasingly urban population drives demand for travel within the continent ‌and to the Middle East.

“We look forward to future collaborations with the AAAU that will help meet Africa’s growing need for well-trained pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals,” Watret said.