The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening educational institutions operated by the Nigerian Air Force through continued investments in infrastructure, research and academic development.
The assurance followed a visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to the headquarters of the fund in Abuja, where discussions focused on expanding collaboration aimed at improving tertiary education within Nigerian Air Force institutions.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, described the agency as more than a federal institution, noting that it serves as a strategic partner in national development through its interventions in higher education.
According to him, the presence of TETFund projects in institutions across the country has become a symbol of quality education, research innovation and human capital development.
Aneke commended the fund for its consistent support to Air Force educational institutions, particularly the Air Force Institute of Technology. He said TETFund’s interventions have significantly improved the institution’s ability to provide quality technical training and contribute to national development.
The Air Chief explained that AFIT has evolved over the past 48 years into a multidisciplinary centre of excellence that produces highly skilled professionals for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that the institution has gained a reputation as one of the most sought after higher learning institutions in the country for aviation related studies due to its academic standards, strict discipline and uninterrupted academic calendar.
According to Aneke, TETFund’s interventions have helped create a conducive environment for both students and staff. He said the support has led to the development of modern laboratories, improved hostels and other essential facilities that enhance learning and research activities.
The Air Chief also highlighted the role of the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing, which operates alongside the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine to train healthcare professionals.
He explained that the college provides specialised nursing education regulated by the National Board for Technical Education and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
According to him, TETFund’s continued investment in infrastructure and academic capacity development within these institutions contributes not only to military training but also to strengthening the country’s healthcare and technical workforce.
Aneke also outlined several requests for further support, including the establishment of an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory at AFIT to support research in emerging technologies relevant to aerospace and defence operations.
He also appealed for assistance in constructing a five kilometre perimeter security fence with integrated surveillance systems as well as additional residential accommodation for teaching and non teaching staff to improve welfare and retain skilled personnel.
Responding, Echono acknowledged the strategic role of the Nigerian Air Force in both national security and educational development.
He assured the Air Chief that TETFund remains committed to supporting Air Force institutions, noting that several interventions including staff accommodation and infrastructure projects at AFIT are already scheduled for implementation this year.
Echono added that the fund’s mandate goes beyond constructing buildings to ensuring institutions provide a conducive environment that promotes effective teaching, learning and discipline.
He said AFIT has become one of the most sought after institutions in Nigeria because of its quality faculty, stable academic calendar and strong culture of discipline.
