XEJet Establishes Aerospace, Space Engineering Centre At UniAbuja

XEJet Limited has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Abuja to establish the XEJet Centre for Aerospace and Space Engineering.

The centre, according to a statement made available to journalists, is a purpose-built academic hub designed to advance aeronautical and astronautical engineering education in Nigeria and strengthen the country’s position in the global aviation ecosystem.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Emmanuel Iza, Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet Limited, described the initiative as a long-term commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector through education, infrastructure development, and talent cultivation.

“At the groundbreaking ceremony of our Flight Support Service facility in January 2025, we made clear our ambition to position Nigerian aviation firmly on the global map and to empower young aerospace engineers to build, innovate, and compete internationally,” Iza said.

“The XEJet Centre for Aerospace & Space Engineering marks the beginning of that journey. It represents our sustained commitment to the Nigerian aviation space through education, infrastructure, and talent development.”

Iza disclosed that the first phase of the project will see XEJet equip priority aerospace laboratories within existing University of Abuja facilities to enable immediate teaching and hands-on practical instruction. The phase will also support readiness for accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Also speaking, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdulfatai Jimoh, said the partnership would significantly enhance standards, quality, and growth in the university’s Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering programme, as well as the broader aerospace industry.

“For graduates of our academic programme to be employable, they must have both classroom knowledge and industrial exposure, which can only be achieved through mutually beneficial academia-industry collaboration,” Prof. Jimoh stated.

“I do not doubt that this agreement between XEJet and the University of Abuja will bring about the needed growth, standards, and quality in the Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering programme. It will also help us achieve key objectives of NUC-CCMAS and COREN Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) requirements for engineering disciplines.”

He commended XEJet for supporting the programme and contributing to national development through the initiative.

LEADERSHIP reports that under the MoU, both parties will commence the design and development of a permanent, green-powered academic complex. The final phase will involve XEJet funding and delivering the purpose-built facility, fully aligned with COREN Outcomes-Based Education standards.

To reinforce industry relevance and reward excellence, XEJet will offer automatic employment to the top three graduating students of the programme annually for the next 10 years, subject to meeting basic employability requirements.