Nigeria's drive to develop skilled aviation professionals has received a major boost with a landmark agreement for new training aircraft. The Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Auxano Consulting Nigeria Limited, operating as Auxano Aviation, for the purchase of 30 Jabiru J430 training aircraft.
A Phased Delivery for Sustainable Growth
The historic signing ceremony took place on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at the Nigeria International Airshow event held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Key figures present included IBUAM's Founder and CEO, Isaac Balami, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor AVM (Rtd) P.O Jemitola.
Under the terms of the deal, Auxano Aviation, the authorised distributor of Jabiru Aircraft in Nigeria, will deliver the fleet in a structured, three-year phased plan. The agreement stipulates the supply of 10 aircraft every year, ensuring the full complement of 30 units is received by 2027. As an initial fulfilment, two aircraft will be delivered in December 2025, followed by 10 in 2026, and the final batch in 2027.
Beyond Aircraft: A Partnership for Expertise
The MoU goes beyond a simple purchase, positioning Auxano Aviation as a comprehensive technical partner. The company's responsibilities include providing aircraft registration support, all necessary airworthiness documentation, initial spares, tools, and handbooks. Furthermore, they will conduct familiarisation training for IBUAM's instructors and maintenance personnel and offer ongoing technical oversight with access to Jabiru-approved parts and services.
Speaking at the event, VC Prof. Jemitola described the acquisition as a bold and strategic investment in Nigeria's aviation future. "With 30 modern training aircraft coming in phases, IBUAM is positioning itself as a leading centre for world-class pilot training in Africa," he stated. He emphasised that the phased model ensures stable and sustainable expansion of the university's training operations.
Commitment to Standards and Student Access
Echoing this sentiment, founder Isaac Balami highlighted how the annual delivery of 10 aircraft allows the institution to scale progressively while maintaining the highest safety and operational standards. "It ensures that our students have consistent access to functional and reliable training aircraft," Balami said. He expressed strong confidence in Auxano Aviation's technical depth, noting, "Auxano Aviation is not only supplying aircraft; they are supplying expertise. Their technical support will help us maintain NCAA-compliant training and aircraft management practices."
In line with the agreement, IBUAM will deploy the Jabiru fleet strictly for student pilot training, aeronautical research, and flight operations programs. The university is mandated to uphold Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) standards, employ only qualified instructors and engineers, and provide adequate hangarage, security, and operational infrastructure.
A unique aspect of the delivery involves some aircraft being assembled locally. While some units will arrive fully built, others will be delivered in pieces and assembled by IBUAM in collaboration with 7star Global Airlines, creating an additional hands-on training opportunity for students and trainees in aircraft assembly and maintenance.
This partnership is considered one of the largest aviation training aircraft acquisitions by a higher institution in Nigeria, signalling a renewed drive to modernise pilot training and elevate the standards of aviation education across the country.
