TETFund to expand support for Nigerian Air Force institutions
Sonny Echono, executive secretary of TETFund, announced the planned support after hosting Sunday Kelvin Aneke, chief of air staff, during a visit to the fund’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is set to deepen its support for educational institutions run by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), with new interventions expected to strengthen infrastructure, research and academic training.
Sonny Echono, executive secretary of TETFund, announced the planned support after hosting Sunday Kelvin Aneke, chief of air staff, during a visit to the fund’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The visit was aimed at renewing collaboration between both institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system, particularly within NAF-owned institutions.
Speaking during the meeting, Aneke thanked Echono for receiving him and his delegation, commending TETFund for its longstanding support to the air force in the areas of academic and technical training.
He recalled his experience as director of studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), noting that he witnessed first-hand the impact of TETFund’s interventions in infrastructure and academic development.
According to him, the presence of TETFund’s logo across tertiary institutions has become synonymous with quality education and development, describing the fund as a strategic partner in national development.
Aneke said TETFund’s interventions have played a significant role in strengthening academic excellence, research innovation and human capital development in the country.
He added that the fund’s support has been particularly impactful at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), where investments in infrastructure and academic capacity have enhanced the institution’s ability to deliver high-quality technical training.
The air chief described AFIT as a multidisciplinary centre of excellence that has, over 48 years, produced highly skilled professionals for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that the institution has grown significantly since the mid-1990s and is now one of the most sought-after institutions for aviation-related studies due to its reputation for academic excellence, strict discipline and uninterrupted academic calendar.
According to him, TETFund’s interventions — including laboratories, hostels and other learning facilities — have created an enabling environment for both students and faculty.
Aneke said the visit was also an opportunity to appreciate TETFund for past support and explore new areas of collaboration beyond aerospace and defence, particularly in the health sector.
He highlighted the role of the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing, which operates alongside the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, in training healthcare professionals for both military and civilian needs.
The air chief added that continued support for such institutions would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce while improving specialised medical training within the armed forces.
Aneke also requested further assistance from TETFund, including the establishment of an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory at AFIT to advance research in emerging technologies critical to aerospace and defence.
He also sought support for 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.
Responding, Echono emphasised the strategic importance of the Nigerian Air Force in safeguarding national security and supporting national development.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, for appointing Aneke as chief of air staff, describing him as a capable officer whose leadership would sustain excellence in the service.
Echono noted that the sacrifices of members of the armed forces are often overlooked despite their role in ensuring national stability.
Reaffirming TETFund’s commitment to NAF institutions, he said the fund already has plans to support additional infrastructure projects at AFIT, including staff accommodation.
He added that TETFund’s interventions aim not only to improve infrastructure but also to enhance the overall teaching and learning environment across tertiary institutions.
According to him, AFIT has grown into one of the country’s most sought-after institutions due to its quality faculty, disciplined learning culture and timely completion of academic programmes.
Echono also disclosed that TETFund is expanding support for teaching hospitals and faculties of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and dentistry across the country as part of broader efforts to improve healthcare education.
He added that the fund is also working to create world-class learning environments capable of attracting foreign students and internationalising Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Echono assured the air chief that TETFund would prioritise requests from the air force, particularly those relating to aviation medicine and specialised training.
He reiterated the fund’s commitment to improving the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions and enhancing the learning experience of students nationwide.
