There was jubilation in most parts of Nigeria on Monday evening following the approval of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the Federal Government approved 11 new private universities on Monday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting which held at the State House, Abuja.
The university whose approval has been pending since the past four years made the list, resulting in nationwide jubilation, especially among young Nigerians who have over the years been beneficiaries of the university owner, Comrade Isaac Balami’s magnanimity.
Comrade Balami, a top aviator and former President of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, who addressed the media shortly after the announcement, appreciated President Tinubu for approving his university amid daunting oppositions by some persons who had frustrated his efforts in the past years. He said “who would thought that in just two years of Mr President’s administration, my university would be granted the licence to operate.”
Balami, who owns one of the biggest airline maintenance companies and owner of 7-Star Global Hanger said, “We have been on this for the past four years and as God could have it, we have finally hit the destination. Success can only be delayed. It will surely come. I thank His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for his fairness in the decisions he has made so far that have affected lives positively. This particular approval has brought succor to many families waiting patiently for the take-off of this university.
“I give God all the glory and also those who allowed God to use him to stand for a common young man like me. For four years, I was told it would not happen, but God used Mr President. This portrays him as a leader who is ready to stand up for young people without God-father but committed to nation-building.
“We thank those who have continued to stand by us despite the past drawbacks. We are here now. We have built this university, not only for children of the rich, we are committed to operating a university that is accessible by all Nigerians.
“This is not my university. It’s our university. We will operate this together and eventually win together. God bless you all.”
On the streets of Biu, Borno State, young people trooped out in jubilation even as congratulatory messages continued to pour in from family, friends and well wishers.
“The propeller was when the Minister of Education saw through my vision. He personally affirmed his commitment toward the realisation of this vision by saying it was his project. I thank him.
“I can’t appreciate my team enough, especially the school professors who worked tirelessly for years to push this vision to reality. Thank you. My 7star Hanger team has equally been wonderful in this effort. God bless you.
“And to my lovely wife and children. Your patience while I travel around the world and across the country for this vision has been amazing. This is the beginning of an epoch,” Balami said.
LEADERSHIP reports that Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management is expected to churn out young pilots, engineers, managers and leaders.
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