The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has pledged renewed support for educational institutions run by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen technical training and tertiary education in Nigeria.

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 longstanding 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 previous experience as Director of Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy gave him first-hand knowledge of TETFund’s impact on tertiary institutions.

He described TETFund as a strategic partner in national development through its commitment to strengthening higher education.

Aneke said: “Having served first-hand as the Director of Studies at NDA and having seen the funds, buildings and infrastructure that the Fund had provided, I got a second impression about your organisation.

“The Nigerian Air Force holds TETFund in very high esteem, not only as a federal government parastatal but as an organisation that plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of our national development through its unwavering support for tertiary education in Nigeria.”

Aneke highlighted the impact of TETFund interventions at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), noting that the support has significantly enhanced the institution’s ability to provide quality technical training for Nigeria’s aviation and defence sectors.

He described AFIT as a multidisciplinary centre of excellence that has grown considerably over the past 48 years, becoming 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,” Aneke said.

The Air Chief also disclosed that the visit was aimed at exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration beyond aerospace and defence, including support for health-related training.

He drew attention to the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing and the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, noting that both institutions play important roles in producing healthcare professionals for both military and civilian needs.

Aneke further requested additional TETFund support 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 also 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 critical role played by the armed forces in maintaining national security, noting that their sacrifices often go unnoticed.

“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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, describing him as a capable officer whose leadership would sustain excellence in the service.

Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting AFIT and other beneficiary institutions, revealing that interventions including staff accommodation and infrastructure projects are already 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 to medical-related programmes in universities, including teaching hospitals and faculties of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and dentistry, as part of a broader effort to strengthen healthcare education nationwide.

Echono further pledged to prioritise requests related to aviation medicine within the university system.

The executive secretary said: “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 noted that TETFund is also investing in hostel accommodation across the country, with interventions planned in no fewer than 100 institutions as part of a presidential initiative to improve student learning environments.