The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to benefit from a new wave of support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), following a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to the Fund’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The visit, aimed at renewing partnership to strengthen tertiary education within NAF institutions, was warmly received by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation for TETFund’s longstanding interventions, particularly at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), which he described as transformative. “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,” he said.
He highlighted the Fund’s contributions to infrastructure, laboratories, and hostels, noting that these have created an enabling environment for students and faculty. Aneke also drew attention to the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing and the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, stressing that TETFund’s support strengthens both military and civilian healthcare systems.
The Air Chief requested further interventions, including the establishment of an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory at AFIT, a five-kilometre perimeter security fence with smart surveillance, and residential accommodation for staff.
Responding, Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting NAF institutions. He commended the sacrifices of men and women in uniform and assured that interventions in AFIT, including staff accommodation and infrastructure, are already planned for this year. “We will continue to provide the environment for proper teaching and learning, and improve the global competitiveness of our tertiary institutions,” he said.
Echono also pledged to prioritise requests in aviation medicine and related programmes, noting that TETFund’s broader initiatives in healthcare education aim to internationalise Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
By Ngozi Nwankwo, Abuja
