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…To improve schools’ security with push-button
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has solicited the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in its efforts to expand and improve operations and academic services being offered at the Air Force Institue of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, made the request during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, in Abuja, on Tuesday.
He said: “The purpose of my visit is quite straightforward. Firstly, it is to convey the sincere appreciation of the NAF leadership for the tremendous support we have received from TETFund over the years, and to emphasize how beneficial the partnership has been, not only to the NAF but also to our nation’s broader development aspirations.
“Secondly, it is to explore ways to further strengthen this partnership so that NAF can continue to expand its support to the nation beyond the aerospace and defence sectors, by contributing more significantly to the health sector. I am accompanied by the Commandant of the AFIT who is certainly no stranger to this organisation.
“AFIT has, over the past 48 years, evolved into a multidisciplinary centre of excellence producing highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors. Today, 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.”
The Air Chief thus solicited the support and assistance of TETFUND for the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence equipped with integrated smart surveillance systems. Additionally, the construction of residential accommodation for both teaching and non-teaching staff that would significantly improve staff welfare and help attract and retain highly qualified professionals within the institution.
“Furthermore, we would greatly appreciate TETFund’s support for the NAF College of Nursing, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and academic capacity building, in line with the Fund’s mandate to strengthen tertiary education and manpower development in Nigeria. Such support will contribute to the building of skilled healthcare workforce required to support both the Armed Forces and the nation’s broader healthcare system,” he said.
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He maintained that the partnership between the NAF and TETFund demonstrates how collaboration between critical national institutions can drive innovation, strengthen human capital development, and advance national development.
“As we look towards the future, we believe there are still several areas where TETFund’s intervention would further strengthen AFIT’s ability to contribute to national technological advancement. In this regard, we respectfully seek the Fund’s consideration for support in the development of an Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory at AFIT. Such a facility will greatly enhance research and innovation in emerging technologies that are increasingly shaping modern aerospace and defence operations,” he said.
He further informed that NAF is committed to improved security in the schools in Nigeria, and it’s planning to establish a push-button system for quick and easy response to the security issues in the schools.
In his response, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, assured him that TETFUND is committed to more infrastructural and human capital development in AFIT, and other benefitting institutions in Nigeria.
He said the requests have been noted, and they would be presented to the Board of Trustees of TETFUND for consideration, and possible action.
