The Senate passed the second reading of a bill to establish Aerospace and Aeronautics University in Oka Akoko, Ondo State, on Wednesday.
The sponsor, Senator Ajayi Borrofice, noted that the field relates to science and technology associated with aircraft, missiles, satellites and spacecraft.
Borrofice explained that in pursuance of the nation’s National Space Programme, over 200 Nigerians were trained in Aerospace and Aeronautics Science Technology in the United States, Ukraine, Russia and Britain.
Boroffice, who is the Senate Deputy Majority Leader, added that in order to sustain the space programme, the proposed university would provide an endogenous facility for capacity-building in Aerospace Science and Technology and Aeronautics.
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He said, “In Africa, there are few institutions offering aerospace-related engineering programs and there is no dedicated University of Aerospace and Aeronautics in Nigeria.
“Therefore, the bill seeks to transform the aerospace industry and such transformation can only succeed through the establishment of a university that will lead training and research programmes and also ensure local availability of skilled workforce in Nigeria.”
