Federal University Lokoja has successfully passed a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) assessment for the establishment of a Three Billion Naira Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cybersecurity, positioning the institution as a technology hub for the entire North Central region.
A three-member TETFund delegation, led by Prof. Olufunke R. Vincent, visited the university on Monday, June 9, 2026, to assess its compliance with requirements ahead of the Centre’s takeoff. The Centre is one of six approved across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Other members of the team were Mohammed Nasir Salilu, Deputy Director at TETFund, and Fatima Muhammad.
READ FUL Professor Drops Bombshell at 42nd Inaugural Lecture: Nigeria Is Sitting on a Powder Keg
Welcoming the delegation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye described the visit as a significant milestone for both the institution and the North Central region. “We are really excited. We have been waiting patiently for you to come,” he said.
Prof. Ibileye informed the team that the university had complied with all major directives issued by TETFund, including the appointment of a Director for the Centre and the constitution of an advisory board comprising industry experts, key stakeholders, and a representative of the Governing Council. The university has also provided a dedicated block within its ICT infrastructure and installed the required signage for the Centre.
“We assure you that as an institution, we will do everything humanly possible for the trust of TETFund to be justified,” the Vice Chancellor stated, describing the Centre as a transformative intervention that would expand opportunities for technological advancement, innovation, and professional development across the North Central zone.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, Prof. Vincent congratulated the university on its selection and explained that the six Centres of Excellence were approved to drive cutting-edge research, innovation, and technological development in strategic fields across the country. She noted that the Centre would open doors to international collaborations, research grants, and global visibility for the university and its host community.
Prof. Vincent disclosed that Federal University Lokoja distinguished itself during the selection process by meeting critical evaluation criteria. “The committee looked out for a lot of things and Lokoja stood out. With the passion the Vice Chancellor has exhibited, we are confident the university will do great,” she said, adding, “With the capacity I have seen, I believe we are good to go.”
Mohammed Nasir Salilu echoed the Team Leader’s position, commending the university’s commitment and efforts towards meeting all requirements for the project.
A major highlight of the visit was the inspection of facilities designated for the Centre. The delegation toured the building earmarked for its operations, visited a proposed site for additional infrastructure, and inspected the university’s Solar Farm to evaluate its power generation capacity — a critical factor given the uninterrupted electricity supply required for advanced AI, robotics, and cybersecurity research.
The team also witnessed the presentation of the certificate formally approving the establishment of the Centre, marking a definitive step forward in the university’s journey towards becoming a national technology landmark.
With TETFund’s confidence firmly expressed and facilities already taking shape, Federal University Lokoja now stands on the threshold of a new era — one that promises to redefine technological education and innovation across North Central Nigeria and beyond.
