The educational institutions of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will soon receive a new round of support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

This was revealed by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, after the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, paid a visit to the agency’s headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.

The meeting was aimed at renewing and strengthening the existing partnership between TETFund and the Nigerian Air Force, with a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Speaking during the visit, Air Marshal Aneke acknowledged the Fund’s long-standing support for the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in enhancing technical and academic training across its institutions.

He noted that TETFund’s interventions over the years have contributed significantly to improving facilities, supporting research initiatives, and providing training opportunities for both staff and students.

He emphasized that such support is crucial to the development of highly skilled personnel required for modern air power operations, adding that strengthening educational institutions within the Air Force ultimately contributes to national development and security.

The Chief of Air Staff also expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the Air Force and TETFund, stating that the renewed partnership would further enhance capacity building, innovation, and knowledge development within NAF educational establishments.

He said TETFund’s influence often precedes its presence at institutions, with its logo symbolising quality education and development. According to him, the organisation is more than a federal parastatal but a strategic partner in national development.

“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,” he said.

The Air Chief noted that TETFund has consistently strengthened its reputation as a driver of academic excellence, research innovation and human capital development.

According to him, over the years, TETFund’s interventions in the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) have been particularly impactful.

Aneke noted that the support received has enhanced AFIT’s capacity to deliver quality technical training and contribute to national development.

The visit, he said, was also to convey appreciation for past support and explore ways to deepen the partnership beyond aerospace and defence, particularly into the health sector.

“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.

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.