The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has pledged renewed support for educational institutions run by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
The commitment was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, following a visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to the organisation’s headquarters on Tuesday.
The visit aimed to renew collaboration between both institutions to enhance academic development within NAF-owned tertiary institutions.
Aneke noted that TETFund’s presence in educational institutions has become synonymous with quality development, adding that the agency plays a critical role beyond that of a federal parastatal.
According to him, the fund has built a strong reputation as a driver of academic excellence, research innovation and human capital development.
He highlighted the impact of TETFund’s interventions at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), noting that the support has significantly strengthened the institution’s capacity to deliver high-quality technical training.
“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 added that TETFund’s support has helped create an enabling environment for both students and academic staff, citing improvements such as well-equipped laboratories and modern student hostels.
Reflecting on AFIT’s growth over the past 48 years, Aneke described the institution as a multidisciplinary centre of excellence producing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.
He also drew attention to the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing, which operates alongside the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, providing specialised training in nursing and healthcare services.
The programmes, he said, are regulated by the National Board for Technical Education and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Aneke emphasised that TETFund’s continued support in infrastructure and academic capacity building would strengthen not only NAF institutions but also Nigeria’s healthcare sector by producing skilled professionals serving both military and civilian populations.
As part of future collaboration, the Air Chief requested further support for the establishment of an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory at AFIT to advance research in emerging technologies critical to aerospace and defence.
He also proposed the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence equipped with smart surveillance systems, as well as additional residential accommodation for teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Our Aviation Medicine School is critical to operations across the entire spectrum of the force,” Aneke said.
Responding, Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting the development of NAF institutions, noting the strategic importance of the Air Force to national security and education.
He disclosed that interventions for AFIT, including staff accommodation and other infrastructure projects, have already been scheduled for implementation this year.
“AFIT is now one of the most sought-after institutions in the country, offering guaranteed quality of faculty, timely completion of programmes and disciplined learning,” Echono said.
