The agreement was sealed during the Nigeria International Airshow, which held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The event brought together key industry stakeholders, including IBUAM’s Founder and CEO, Isaac Balami; the Vice Chancellor, Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) P. O. Jemitola; and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Keyamo described the partnership as one of the standout achievements of the airshow, noting that the scale and quality of activities made it “the best ever held on African soil.”
Under the structured arrangement, Auxano Aviation—an authorised Jabiru Aircraft distributor—will supply the 30 aircraft in three phases, delivering 10 units per year across a three-year period. The package extends well beyond aircraft procurement, with Auxano set to provide registration support, airworthiness documentation, initial spares, tools, handbooks, and familiarisation training for both instructors and maintenance engineers. IBUAM will also receive ongoing technical oversight as well as access to Jabiru-approved components and services.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, IBUAM Vice Chancellor, Air Vice Marshal Jemitola (Rtd.), described the acquisition as a forward-looking investment in Nigeria’s aviation manpower.
“This partnership marks a significant boost to our training capacity,” he said. “With 30 modern training aircraft coming in phases, IBUAM is positioning itself as a leading centre for world-class pilot training in Africa.” He added that a staggered delivery model would help the university maintain operational stability while scaling sustainably.
Founder Isaac Balami shared similar sentiments, highlighting how the supply structure supports consistent access to reliable training platforms.
“Receiving 10 aircraft every year allows us to scale progressively and maintain high safety and operational standards,” he noted. He also praised Auxano Aviation for delivering “expertise, not just aircraft,” given the technical support embedded in the agreement.
The aircraft will be deployed strictly for pilot training, aeronautical research, and flight-operations programmes. IBUAM is required to uphold NCAA regulatory compliance and ensure that properly trained personnel manage the aircraft within adequate operational facilities.
Implementation begins immediately. Two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in December, with an additional 10 arriving in 2026. The remaining units will be supplied in 2027—some fully assembled and others shipped in component form to support hands-on assembly and instructional training in collaboration with 7Star Global Airlines.
With this MoU, IBUAM signals its ambition to become a regional hub for aviation training, aligning itself with the growing demand for skilled pilots and technical professionals across Africa’s expanding air transport sector.