The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to provide additional support to educational institutions operated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), as part of efforts to strengthen technical training and tertiary education in the country.
This development was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, after the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, paid a courtesy visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on renewing and strengthening the partnership between the two institutions, with the aim of advancing Nigeria’s tertiary education system and building capacity in specialised fields.
Speaking during the visit, Air Marshal Aneke acknowledged TETFund’s longstanding support for the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in improving technical and academic training within its institutions.
According to him, the agency’s interventions over the years have significantly enhanced facilities, research development, and training opportunities for staff and students.
He stressed that such support is vital for producing highly skilled personnel needed for modern air power operations, noting that strengthening the educational institutions of the Air Force ultimately contributes to national development and security.
“The Nigerian Air Force holds TETFund in very high esteem, not only as a federal government parastatal but 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 particularly highlighted the impact of TETFund’s interventions in the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), describing the institution as one of the most sought-after centres for aviation-related studies in the country.
According to him, AFIT’s reputation for academic excellence, discipline, and uninterrupted academic programmes has attracted increasing interest from prospective students.
Aneke noted that TETFund’s contributions—including modern laboratories, improved hostels, and enhanced research facilities—have created an enabling environment for both students and faculty members to thrive.
He also pointed to the role of the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing, which operates alongside the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine to provide specialised training in nursing and healthcare services regulated by the National Board for Technical Education and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
The Air Chief further requested additional support from TETFund, including the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence and robotics laboratory at AFIT to advance research in emerging technologies relevant to aerospace and defence.
He also sought assistance for the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence equipped with smart surveillance systems, as well as residential accommodation for teaching and non-teaching staff to improve welfare and attract talent.
Responding, Echono emphasised the critical role played by the Nigerian Air Force in safeguarding the country and supporting national development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, describing him as a competent officer whose leadership would sustain excellence within the service.
Echono also acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in protecting the country.
“Very often, we do not know or talk about what happens that allows us to sleep peacefully in our homes. It is only when there is an incident that we remember the presence of the armed forces,” he said.
He assured the Air Chief that several interventions for AFIT, including infrastructure development and staff accommodation, have already been scheduled for implementation within the year.
The TETFund boss added that the agency remains committed to improving the quality of teaching and learning in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including strengthening faculties of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry.
According to him, such interventions are part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s higher education system and positioning the country’s institutions to attract international students.