The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting educational institutions operated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen technical training and tertiary education in the country.
The assurance was given by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, Aneke commended TETFund for its sustained support to NAF institutions, particularly in infrastructure development and academic capacity building.
“It is indeed a great pleasure for me and members of my delegation to be here today at the headquarters of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund,” he said.
The Air Chief noted that his experience as a former Director of Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy gave him direct insight into the impact of TETFund interventions in tertiary institutions. He described the agency as a strategic partner in national development through its continued investment in higher education.
“Having served as the Director of Studies at NDA and having seen the funds, buildings and infrastructure that the Fund had provided, I gained a deeper understanding of the organisation’s role,” Aneke said.
“The Nigerian Air Force holds TETFund in very high esteem, not only as a federal government parastatal but also as an organisation that plays a vital role in strengthening the foundation of national development through its support for tertiary education.”
Aneke highlighted the impact of TETFund interventions at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), noting that the assistance has significantly improved the institution’s capacity to deliver quality technical training for Nigeria’s aviation and defence sectors.
He described AFIT as a multidisciplinary centre of excellence that has grown steadily over the past 48 years and has become one of the most sought-after institutions for aviation-related studies.
“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.
The Air Chief added that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration beyond aerospace and defence training, including expanding support for health-related programmes.
He highlighted the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing and the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, noting that both institutions play significant roles in producing healthcare professionals who serve both military and civilian populations.
Aneke also appealed for additional support from TETFund for key projects at AFIT, including the establishment of an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory to advance research in emerging technologies relevant to aerospace and defence.
He further proposed the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence with integrated smart surveillance systems, as well as residential accommodation for teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Our Aviation Medicine School is critical to operations across the entire spectrum of the force,” he said.
Responding, Echono acknowledged the sacrifices of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation, noting that their efforts often go unnoticed by the public.
“Very often, we do not know or talk about what happens that allows us to sleep in our homes. It is only when there is an incident that we remember the presence of the armed forces,” he said.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, describing him as a capable officer whose leadership would strengthen the service.
Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting AFIT and other beneficiary institutions, revealing that several interventions, including staff accommodation and infrastructure projects, have already been planned for the 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,” he said.
He added that the Fund is expanding its support for medical-related programmes across universities, including teaching hospitals and faculties of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and dentistry, as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare education nationwide.
Echono further pledged to prioritise requests related to aviation medicine within the university system.
“I want to assure you again that you will find in us worthy partners. We will continue to provide the environment for proper teaching and learning and improve the global competitiveness of our tertiary institutions,” he said.
He also disclosed that TETFund is investing in hostel accommodation across the country, with projects planned in no fewer than 100 institutions under a presidential initiative aimed at improving students’ learning environments.
