Federal University Lokoja has passed a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) assessment for the establishment of a N3 billion Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Security.
A three-member TETFund delegation led by Prof. Olufunke R. Vincent visited the university on 9 June to evaluate its compliance with requirements for the take-off of the centre. The facility is one of six Centres of Excellence approved across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Other members of the delegation were Mohammed Nasir Salilu, Deputy Director at TETFund, and Fatima Muhammad.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, said the institution had implemented key directives issued by TETFund, including the appointment of a director for the centre and the establishment of an advisory board comprising industry experts, stakeholders and a representative of the Governing Council.
He stated that the university had allocated space within its Information and Communication Technology complex for the centre and installed the required signage.
Prof. Ibileye said the project would expand opportunities for technological development, innovation and professional training within Kogi State and the North Central region.
Prof. Vincent said the visit was aimed at assessing the university’s readiness to host the centre, noting that TETFund established the Centres of Excellence to promote research, innovation and technological advancement in strategic sectors.
She said the initiative would provide opportunities for research collaboration, grants and increased international engagement.
According to her, Federal University Lokoja emerged successful during the selection process after meeting key criteria set by the evaluation committee.
Following an inspection of facilities and meetings with relevant stakeholders, the delegation expressed confidence in the university’s capacity to host the centre.
Salilu also commended the institution’s efforts in meeting the requirements for the project.
As part of the assessment, the delegation inspected facilities designated for the centre, including an existing building earmarked for its operations and a proposed site for future expansion.
The team also visited the Federal University Lokoja Solar Farm to assess the institution’s power generation capacity, given the need for reliable electricity supply for research and technological activities in artificial intelligence, robotics and cyber security.
