AAAU Opens a New Academic Sky with Its First Postgraduate External Defence
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja has achieved a landmark milestone with the successful external defence of its first postgraduate student, Oluodo Ahmed Tola. His research, titled Potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Economic Growth in Nigeria, marks a historic first in AAAU’s journey toward full postgraduate academic operations.
The defence was held on the university campus in Abuja, attended by a committee of examiners led by Prof. Ibrahim Musa Jaro, an external examiner from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who travelled to the capital specifically to evaluate the student. This event establishes AAAU as a credible institution capable of conducting rigorous postgraduate programmes.
The session began with the introduction of committee members and a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Mr. Dennis Joseph Onwukwe. Dr. Ayodele Gatta, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, also gave an overview of the school and its academic vision.
Dr. Abdullahi, alongside the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim Zayanna, and Dr. Chado, who joined virtually from Brazil, attended the session online. Other lecturers and students also followed the proceedings through a virtual platform, highlighting AAAU’s adoption of modern hybrid learning methods and international engagement.
Mr. Ahmed, an M.Sc student in Air Transport Management, presented his research in 15 minutes to validate authorship. Prof. Jaro then conducted a meticulous page-by-page evaluation of the work. The candidate has been given two weeks to address all corrections raised, after which the degree will be formally awarded following approval by the School of Postgraduate Studies Board and the University Senate.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdullahi remarked: “This defence sets a strong precedent for future postgraduate examinations. It provides valuable insights for both students and lecturers and reinforces AAAU’s commitment to excellence in aviation and aerospace education.”
The Registrar added that the event demonstrates AAAU’s readiness to produce graduates capable of contributing to Nigeria’s aviation sector and the broader economy. By successfully completing its first external postgraduate defence, the university has truly opened a new academic sky for future scholars and innovations in aviation research.
