Air Chief Seeks Expanded TETFund Support to Strengthen AFIT Research, Innovation
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke has called for expanded intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to further strengthen research, innovation, and human capital development at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
Aneke made the call on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, where he expressed the Nigerian Air Force’s appreciation for the Fund’s long-standing interventions that have supported the growth of the institution.
The CAS commended the leadership of TETFund for initiatives that continue to strengthen tertiary education in Nigeria, noting that the agency plays a critical role in advancing national development.
“TETFund has remained a long-standing strategic partner to the Nigerian Air Force. The Fund’s interventions at the Air Force Institute of Technology have significantly enhanced the Institute’s capacity to deliver on its mandate as our premier technical training institution and to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
According to him, TETFund’s support has greatly impacted AFIT, particularly in infrastructure development, research funding, and academic capacity building.
He noted that through the Fund’s interventions, the institute has benefited from the construction of several key facilities, including the Faculties of Ground and Communication Equipment and Management Sciences, a Cyber Security building, multi-user laboratories, offices, accommodation blocks, and improved ICT infrastructure.
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The CAS also highlighted support for library expansion and entrepreneurship programmes aimed at strengthening innovation and practical skills development among students.
Aneke said AFIT has grown into one of Nigeria’s most sought-after universities, particularly in aerospace and aviation-related disciplines.
He attributed the institution’s growing reputation to its culture of discipline, commitment to academic excellence, and uninterrupted academic calendar.
He added that AFIT’s zero tolerance for strike actions has significantly enhanced its appeal to students seeking stable and high-quality technical education.
“Through sustained collaboration with TETFund, AFIT has grown into a multidisciplinary centre of excellence producing highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace and defence sectors,” he said.
The CAS further identified additional areas where TETFund’s continued intervention could help strengthen AFIT’s research and innovation capabilities, particularly in emerging technological fields.
He also noted opportunities for support in other Nigerian Air Force educational institutions, including the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing and the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, especially in infrastructure development and academic capacity building to boost the country’s healthcare workforce.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of TETFund commended the Nigerian Air Force for its commitment to academic excellence and national capacity development.
He noted that AFIT’s progress reflects the impact of sustained collaboration between the two institutions and reaffirmed the Fund’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives that promote research, innovation, and human capital development in line with its mandate to strengthen tertiary education in Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
