XEJet Signs Landmark Pact with University of Abuja to Launch Aerospace Engineering Centre
XEJet Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with University of Abuja to establish a specialised Centre for Aerospace & Space Engineering aimed at developing world-class aeronautical and astronautical professionals.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, sets out a long-term plan to create a purpose-built academic and research hub that will enhance technical expertise, promote innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global aviation industry.
The centre is expected to serve as a bridge between theoretical engineering education and practical industry application, a gap experts say has historically limited the growth of indigenous aerospace capacity.
Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet, Emmanuel Iza, described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector. He noted that the project aligns with the company’s broader vision to place the country’s aviation industry on the international stage while empowering young engineers with the skills required to innovate and compete globally.
According to him, the centre represents a concrete step towards building a sustainable pipeline of highly trained aerospace professionals.
The project will be rolled out in phases to ensure immediate impact alongside long-term infrastructure development. The first stage will involve equipping selected laboratories within the university’s existing engineering facilities to support practical instruction and hands-on training.
This preparatory phase is designed to help the programme meet accreditation requirements set by the National Universities Commission and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.
Subsequent phases will focus on the design and construction of a permanent, environmentally sustainable academic complex powered by green energy solutions.
Once completed, the facility will be fully funded and delivered by XEJet and structured to comply with COREN’s Outcomes-Based Education framework, which prioritises measurable technical competence and industry readiness.
Dean of Engineering at the institution, Abdulfatai Jimoh, hailed the collaboration as a timely intervention that will elevate academic standards and produce graduates with the practical exposure required in modern engineering fields.
He emphasised that strong academic–industry partnerships are essential for ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also employable.
Beyond infrastructure and training, the agreement includes a career-development incentive designed to reward excellence. Under the scheme, the airline will offer employment opportunities to the top three graduates of the aerospace engineering programme each year for the next ten years, subject to meeting professional and performance criteria.
Wider Sectoral Significance
Aviation analysts say the initiative could serve as a model for future collaborations between private companies and tertiary institutions, particularly in highly specialised sectors where equipment, research funding, and industry exposure are critical.
By supporting advanced engineering education, the project is expected to reduce dependence on foreign technical expertise and promote local innovation.
With Nigeria seeking to expand its aviation capabilities and technical workforce, stakeholders believe the new centre could become a cornerstone institution for aerospace research and talent development across West Africa.
