The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has appealed for the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, to establish an Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory at the Air Force Institute of Technology, AFIT, Kaduna, as part of efforts to advance research and innovation in emerging technologies critical to aerospace and defence.
Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, made the appeal during a visit to the headquarters of TETFund in Abuja on Tuesday to strengthen collaboration with the Fund.
Speaking at the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, and said the Nigerian Air Force holds TETFund in very high regard, not only as a Federal Government parastatal but as an organisation that plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of national development through its unwavering support for tertiary education in Nigeria.
According to him, TETFund’s interventions have significantly strengthened academic excellence, research, and human capital development across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, including those operated by the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke noted that the Air Force Institute of Technology has particularly benefited from TETFund’s support over the years, which has helped enhance the institution’s capacity to deliver quality technical training.
“For the Nigerian Air Force, TETFund has remained a long-standing strategic partner. The Fund’s interventions in the Air Force Institute of Technology have been remarkable and impactful, significantly enhancing the Institute’s ability to fulfil its mandate as the Air Force’s premier technical training institution,” he said.
He explained that AFIT, which has evolved over the past 48 years into a multidisciplinary centre of excellence, now produces highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors.
“Today, AFIT has become one of the most sought-after institutions for aviation-related studies in Nigeria, owing to its reputation for academic excellence, strict discipline, and zero tolerance for strikes,” he said.
He added that TETFund’s support had enabled the construction of several critical facilities within the institution, including faculties, laboratories, offices, and accommodation blocks, which have strengthened research and technological development.
Aneke said the purpose of his visit was not only to convey appreciation for the Fund’s past interventions but also to explore ways of expanding the partnership to support emerging areas of national development.
“As we look towards the future, we believe there are still several areas where TETFund’s intervention would further strengthen AFIT’s ability to contribute to national technological advancement.
“In this regard, we respectfully seek the Fund’s consideration for the development of an Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory at AFIT to enhance research and innovation in technologies shaping modern aerospace and defence operations,” he said.
The Air Chief also requested TETFund’s support for the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence equipped with integrated smart surveillance systems at the institute.
In addition, he sought assistance for residential accommodation for both teaching and non-teaching staff to improve welfare and attract highly skilled professionals to the institution.
Aneke further highlighted the role of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, which operates alongside the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing to train medical personnel needed to support the nation’s healthcare system.
He appealed for TETFund’s support in infrastructure development and academic capacity building for the institution, noting that such interventions would strengthen both military and civilian healthcare services.
“The partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and TETFund demonstrates how collaboration between key national institutions can drive innovation, strengthen human capital development, and advance national development,” he said.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting institutions that contribute to national development, including those under the Nigerian Air Force.
Echono commended the dedication of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation and acknowledged the often overlooked sacrifices made by military personnel.
“Very often we do not know or talk about what happens that allows us to sleep peacefully in our homes. It is only when incidents occur that we remember the critical role of the armed forces,” Echono said.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Aneke as Chief of the Air Staff, describing him as a “fine officer and gentleman whose leadership promises continuity in excellence.”
Echono assured the Air Chief that TETFund had already planned several interventions for AFIT this year, including staff accommodation and other infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening teaching and learning.
“AFIT is now one of the most sought-after institutions in the country, offering quality faculty, disciplined learning, and timely completion of programmes,” he said.
He added that TETFund’s broader mandate includes improving teaching hospitals and medical faculties across the country to enhance healthcare education.
“We will continue to provide the environment for proper teaching and learning and improve the global competitiveness of our tertiary institutions,” Echono said.
He further pledged to present the Air Force’s requests to the Board of Trustees, particularly in areas related to aviation medicine and advanced technological research.
