The Nigerian Air Force is seeking the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) as it proposes to establish an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory to advance research and innovation in emerging technologies critical for aerospace and defence.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, made the request during a visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The visit was aimed at renewing a partnership to strengthen the nation’s tertiary education system, particularly within Nigerian Air Force (NAF) institutions.
Speaking during the visit, Air Marshal Aneke expressed profound appreciation to the TETFund Executive Secretary, Echono, for personally receiving him and his delegation.
Acknowledging TETFund’s ongoing contributions, Aneke outlined key requests for further support. He proposed the establishment of an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to advance research and innovation in emerging technologies critical for aerospace and defence.
He also sought assistance for the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence with integrated smart surveillance systems, alongside residential accommodation for teaching and non-teaching staff to enhance welfare and retain talent.
“Our Aviation Medicine School is critical to operations across the entire spectrum of the force,” Aneke said.
The Air Chief noted that TETFund has consistently strengthened its reputation as a driver of academic excellence, research innovation and human capital development.
According to him, over the years, TETFund’s interventions in the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) have been particularly impactful.
Aneke noted that the support received has enhanced AFIT’s capacity to deliver quality technical training and contribute to national development.
Highlighting AFIT’s evolution over 48 years, Aneke described the institution as a multidisciplinary centre of excellence producing highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.
“AFIT has become one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in Nigeria for aviation-related studies, owing to its reputation for academic excellence, strict discipline and zero tolerance for strikes,” Aneke said.
The Air Chief also drew attention to the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing, which operates alongside the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine. The college, he said, provides specialised training in nursing and healthcare services regulated by the National Board for Technical Education and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Aneke further emphasised that TETFund’s support in infrastructure development and academic capacity building strengthens not only NAF institutions but also the broader healthcare system, ensuring the production of skilled personnel who serve both military and civilian needs.
The visit, he said, was also to convey appreciation for past support and explore ways to deepen the partnership beyond aerospace and defence, particularly into the health sector.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of TeTFund, Sonny Echono, emphasised the strategic importance of the Nigerian Air Force in both national security and education.
Reaffirming TETFund’s commitment, Echono assured the Air Chief that interventions in AFIT, including staff accommodation and infrastructure, are already planned for this year.
The Executive Secretary reiterated that TETFund’s interventions aim to create environments capable of attracting foreign students, thereby internationalising Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
He also pledged to prioritise requests from the Air Force, particularly in aviation medicine, to ensure facilities are upgraded to meet both military and civilian needs.
“Very often, we do not know or talk about what happens that allows us to sleep in our homes. It is only when there is an incident that we remember the presence of the armed forces,” he said.