The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) educational institutions are set to receive significant support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This development was announced by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono, following a visit from the Chief of Air the Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to TETFund’s headquarters on Tuesday.
The purpose of the visit was to renew and strengthen the partnership aimed at enhancing the nation’s tertiary education system, particularly within NAF institutions. Air Marshal Aneke expressed deep gratitude to Arch. Echono for personally welcoming him and his delegation, emphasizing the warm reception provided by the TETFund team.
In his remarks, the Air Chief praised TETFund’s long-standing commitment to the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in advancing technical and academic training. “It is indeed a great pleasure for me and my delegation to be here today at the headquarters of TETFund,” he stated, recalling his past experience as the Director of Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the positive impression left by the organization’s contributions.
Aneke highlighted that TETFund’s influence is recognized even before its representatives arrive at educational institutions, with its logo representing a commitment to quality education and development. He acknowledged TETFund not only as a federal parastatal but as a key partner in Nigeria’s national development, noting its significant role in fostering the foundation of the country’s educational system.
The Air Chief commended TETFund for its impactful interventions at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), which have greatly enhanced the institute’s capacity to deliver high-quality technical training essential for national development. He noted that the visit also aimed to express appreciation for previous support while exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration, particularly in sectors beyond aerospace and defense, including healthcare.
Reflecting on AFIT’s progress over its 48-year history, Aneke described the institution as a multidisciplinary center of excellence dedicated to producing highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace, and defense sectors. He fondly recalled his early experiences at AFIT in the mid-1990s, observing how the institution has evolved and grown thanks to TETFund’s unwavering support.
“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.
He credited TETFund’s interventions for creating an enabling environment where students and faculty can thrive without disruptions. From fully equipped laboratories to modern hostels, TETFund’s contributions have been integral to the institution’s success.
The Air Chief also drew attention to the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing, which operates alongside the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine. The college, he said, provides specialised training in nursing and healthcare services regulated by the National Board for Technical Education and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Aneke further emphasised that TETFund’s support in infrastructure development and academic capacity building strengthens not only NAF institutions but also the broader healthcare system, ensuring the production of skilled personnel who serve both military and civilian needs.
Acknowledging TETFund’s ongoing contributions, Aneke outlined key requests for further support. He proposed the establishment of an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory at AFIT to advance research and innovation in emerging technologies critical for aerospace and defence.
He also sought assistance for the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence with integrated smart surveillance systems, alongside residential accommodation for teaching and non-teaching staff to enhance welfare and retain talent.
“Our Aviation Medicine School is critical to operations across the entire spectrum of the force,” Aneke said.
Responding, Echono emphasised the strategic importance of the Nigerian Air Force in both national security and education.
He also stated the often overlooked sacrifices made by men and women in uniform, while commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing Aneke, describing him as a fine officer and gentleman whose leadership promises continuity in excellence.
“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.
Reaffirming TETFund’s commitment, Echono assured the Air Chief that interventions in AFIT, including staff accommodation and infrastructure, are already planned for this year.
He emphasised that TETFund’s support extends beyond physical facilities to improving the overall teaching and learning environment, ensuring institutions produce graduates equipped with both knowledge and discipline.
“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.
He also noted that TETFund is actively enhancing teaching hospitals and faculties of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and dentistry as part of a broader initiative to improve healthcare education nationwide.
The Executive Secretary reiterated that TETFund’s interventions aim to create environments capable of attracting foreign students, thereby internationalising Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
He also pledged to prioritise requests from the Air Force, particularly in aviation medicine, to ensure facilities are upgraded to meet both military and civilian needs.
“So I pledge to you that I will make a special case to the Board of Trustees. The minister is already a convert, not just because he is a medical doctor. I will make a special case to the Board of Trustees. Under the presidential initiative on providing equipment and facilities for medical establishments and related fields, we will create something.
“Because we believe that whenever there is a will, there is always a way to make it happen. While we deeply appreciate the fact that you are also helping to improve the number of nurses that we produce, unfortunately nursing is outside the current mandate of TETFund because it is seen as a monotechnic.
“It is only when they are within our beneficiary institutions and universities that we support them. But where the schools of nursing themselves are outside our current scope, it becomes difficult. However, when we talk about aviation medicine and related programmes within the university system, then we can look at it.
“But 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. We will continue to improve the global competitiveness of our tertiary institutions.
“We also want to improve the learning experience of our students in our various institutions of learning. It is a cardinal programme of Mr President. That is why this year and last year we are intervening in hostel accommodation in not less than 100 institutions across the country,” Echono explained.
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