NAF seeks TETFund’s support to establish AI, Robotics lab, boost research at AFIT
NAF seeks TETFund’s support to establish AI, Robotics lab, boost research at AFIT
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sought the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics laboratory at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) as part of efforts to strengthen research, innovation and technological advancement in the country.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, made the request during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, at the Fund’s headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.
Aneke said the request was part of broader efforts to deepen the long-standing partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and TETFund in order to further enhance capacity building, research and infrastructure development within NAF educational institutions.
He expressed appreciation to the management of TETFund for the consistent support provided to AFIT over the years, noting that the interventions had significantly improved the institute’s ability to fulfil its mandate as the Nigerian Air Force’s premier technical training institution.
According to him, TETFund’s contributions in research funding, infrastructure development and academic capacity building have strengthened AFIT’s role in producing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.
“The Nigerian Air Force holds TETFund in very high esteem, not only as a Federal Government parastatal but also as an organisation that plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of our national development through its unwavering support for tertiary education in Nigeria,” Aneke said.
He noted that AFIT, which has evolved over the past 48 years, has become a multidisciplinary centre of excellence and one of the most sought-after institutions in Nigeria for aviation-related studies.
Aneke added that the institution’s reputation for academic excellence, strict discipline and zero tolerance for strikes had made it attractive to students seeking specialised training in aviation and aerospace-related fields.
Highlighting some of TETFund’s interventions, the Air Chief said the Fund had supported the construction of several critical facilities within AFIT, including faculty buildings, a cyber security complex, accommodation blocks, offices and a multi-user laboratory.
“These interventions have significantly strengthened AFIT’s capacity for innovation, research and manpower development in support of national technological advancement,” he said.
He explained that the proposed AI and Robotics Laboratory would further enhance the institution’s research capabilities in emerging technologies that are increasingly shaping modern aerospace and defence operations.
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Aneke also requested TETFund’s support for the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence equipped with integrated smart surveillance systems, as well as residential accommodation for teaching and non-teaching staff to improve staff welfare and attract highly qualified professionals.
The Air Chief further appealed for support for the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing and the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and academic capacity building.
He said strengthening these institutions would help produce the skilled healthcare workforce needed to support both military operations and the nation’s broader healthcare system.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting AFIT and other tertiary institutions across the country.
Echono commended the Nigerian Air Force for its role in safeguarding the nation and noted that the sacrifices of men and women in uniform often go unnoticed.
He also praised the leadership of the Air Chief and assured him that TETFund would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving teaching, research and infrastructure in AFIT.
According to him, the Fund already has plans to support additional infrastructure development at the institute, including staff accommodation and other facilities that would enhance the teaching and learning environment.
Echono emphasised that TETFund’s interventions are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education system and producing globally competitive graduates.
He added that the Fund is also investing heavily in medical education across universities, including teaching hospitals and faculties of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and dentistry, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector.
The TETFund boss assured the Air Chief that the Fund would continue to work closely with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure that AFIT and other NAF institutions remain centres of excellence capable of contributing to national development.
