United Nigeria Airlines, ABUAD Sign MoU for Aviation Training
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has signed what it describes as a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado-Ekiti, opening doors for engineering students to receive practical training in aeronautical and aerospace engineering. It said, “This partnership marks a new era of industry-academia collaboration aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s aviation workforce”.
The agreement integrates ABUAD’s College of Engineering students into the airline’s Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). Eligible participants will gain hands-on opportunities in aviation maintenance, airline operations, and cutting-edge aerospace technologies. UNA said,
“This structured pathway equips young talents with skills demanded by a rapidly evolving sector, where theoretical knowledge often falls short of real-world requirements.”
Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Chairman and Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, UNA described the MoU as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s aviation future and human capital development.” He emphasized that the industry’s sustainability hinges on mentoring the next generation, stating, “The growth of aviation depends on deliberate efforts to train and nurture young professionals who can drive innovation and efficiency.”
Okonkwo praised Aare Afe Babalola, ABUAD’s Founder and Chancellor, for his visionary contributions to education. “ABUAD stands out for its academic excellence, discipline, and core values, making it the perfect partner,” he added. The university’s reputation for producing high-caliber graduates aligns seamlessly with aviation’s technical demands.
As United Nigeria approaches its fifth anniversary of commercial operations, the partnership reinforces its focus on youth empowerment and national development.
The airline has championed education initiatives amid surging air travel and infrastructure growth in Nigeria. For ABUAD, the MoU enhances engineering programs, preparing graduates for roles in maintenance, operations, and emerging fields like drone technology. Industry observers see it as a model for public-private synergies, addressing skills shortages in Africa’s expanding aviation market and fostering global competitiveness.
