The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its pivotal role in funding public tertiary education in the country, even as he asked for additional support for some Air Force institutions in the country.
The Air Force chief gave the commendation when he led senior Air Force officers on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono in Abuja recently.
Speaking during the visit, Air Marshal Abubakar noted with appreciation TETFund’s support for Air Force institutions in the country, particularly the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna where research projects, physical infrastructure, ICT, human capacity development among others have been funded.
While noting that the Air Force globally is usually the most advanced arm of the military in terms of technology and innovation and development, he stated that there was constant need for support in consolidating the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in properly educating and upskilling its personnel.
He revealed that the Air Force has 12 institutions that are accessible to the public, which reflects its commitment to fostering growth and development in the country via education.
“We established these institutions to significantly and professionally contribute to the landscape. We have sustained quality over the years. Our institutions are comparable to any institution in the world. However, the room that is never full is the room for improvement; there is more we can do, and we want to passionately advocate for the adoption of some of our institutions that are not currently captured by TETFund in its interventions.
“We want you to come to our aid to attain higher level. Partnerships like these are crucial, where Education and Defence partner for a greater Nigeria” he said.
In his response, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its role in keeping schools and the country safe.
He also expressed appreciation for the Air Force’s participation in the recently concluded TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition.
“We saw many great things done by the Air Force, and it is no surprise, most of the leading innovations and technology shaping the world today emanated from the military. Globally, military leads innovation and we are proud of what the Nigerian Air Force is doing,” Echono stated.
On the request for support to other Air Force Institutions apart from AFIT, the TETFund boss explained that the debate at the National Assembly to determine whether it should capture monotechnics and similar institutions or completely refocus and reengineer its activities could be the determinant factor for enlistment of the institutions.
He however stated that if other institutions under NAF go multidisciplinary as the ones currently funded by TETFund, and obtain necessary regulatory approvals, they could be captured, clarifying that the Fund is currently limited to public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
