TETFUND TEAM VISITS LASU, COMMENDS UNIVERSITY READINESS TO HOST CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR AI, MACHINE LEARNING AND CYBER SECURITY

TETFUND TEAM VISITS LASU, COMMENDS UNIVERSITY READINESS TO HOST CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR AI, MACHINE LEARNING AND CYBER SECURITY

Lagos State University has been selected by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as the South-West *Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Cyber Security*, securing a ₦3billion intervention fund to advance research, innovation and digital skills development.

A TETFund delegation led by Professor Okechukwu *ONYENWE*, accompanied by Dr Suleiman *ZANGANA*, Deputy Director, and Mrs Oluwafunto *JULIUS,* visited the University on Wednesday, 4th June 2026, to conduct a comprehensive readiness assessment of the institution. The delegation inspected designated facilities, evaluated available infrastructure, and engaged extensively with the management and technical personnel to ascertain the University's capacity to establish and sustain the Centre.

The visit was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola *OLATUNJI-BELLO*, mni, NPOM at her office on the 6th Floor of Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building. She received them in company of other members of management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Professor Oseni Taiwo *AFISI,* FSPSP, M.CIoD, and members of the Steering Team of the ARCS Centre of Excellence, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Oluwatoyin *ENIKUOMEHIN*.

Welcoming the delegation, Professor *OLATUNJI-BELLO*, mni, NPOM, expressed appreciation for the team's diligence throughout the assessment process. She described the approval as a major milestone and reaffirmed the University's commitment to establishing and sustaining a world-class Centre of Excellence. She further assured the delegation that Lagos State University possesses the institutional capacity, human resources, and governance structures required not only to establish the Centre successfully, but to sustain it for years to come.

Speaking on behalf of TETFund, Professor *ONYENWE* explained that Lagos State University emerged as the selected institution for the South-West following a rigorous evaluation process that assessed demonstrated capacity in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Robotics, Coding, and related digital technologies. He noted that the initiative is designed to strengthen Nigeria's technological capabilities, address critical digital skills gaps, and prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the global knowledge economy.

Professor *ONYENWE* commended Lagos State University's preparedness and emphasised the broader significance of the project, noting that it arrives at a critical period when nations are increasingly prioritising digital sovereignty, cyber resilience, technological innovation, and workforce development.

The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of an official communication from TETFund, marking a significant step towards the establishment of the Centre at Lagos State University.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr Emmanuel A. *FANU,* MNIM, FCAI, expressed gratitude to TETFund and commended both the assessment delegation, and the members of staff whose contributions ensured the success of the exercise.

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