TETFund Selects LASU as South-West Centre of Excellence for AI, Machine Learning and Cyber Security, Approves ₦3bn Intervention

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

A TETFund delegation led by Prof. Okechukwu Onyemwe, accompanied by Dr. Suleiman Zangana and Mrs. Oluwafunto Julius, visited LASU on Wednesday, June 4, 2026, for a comprehensive readiness assessment of the institution.

The team inspected designated facilities, evaluated infrastructure, and engaged with university management and technical personnel to determine LASU’s capacity to establish and sustain the proposed Centre of Excellence.

The delegation was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, at her office in the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, alongside members of the university management team. These included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. 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), Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello expressed appreciation to TETFund for the assessment process and described the approval as a major milestone for the university. She reaffirmed LASU’s readiness, stating that the institution possesses the human capacity, governance structures and institutional strength required to successfully establish and sustain the Centre.

She further assured the delegation of LASU’s commitment to maintaining a world-class standard in the execution of the project.

Speaking on behalf of TETFund, Prof. Onyemwe stated that LASU emerged as the selected institution for the South-West zone following a rigorous evaluation process that assessed competence in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Robotics, Coding and related digital technologies.

He noted that the initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital capacity, addressing skills gaps, and preparing graduates for opportunities in the global knowledge economy.

Prof. Onyemwe also highlighted the importance of the project in the context of growing global emphasis on digital sovereignty, cyber resilience and technological innovation.

The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of TETFund’s official communication confirming LASU’s selection for the Centre of Excellence.

The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu, MNIM, FCAI, who delivered the vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to TETFund and commended both the assessment team and university staff for their cooperation during the exercise.