By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has renewed its support towards the expansion of educational institutions of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Making this pledge, was the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force, led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking, Echono noted that the renewed commitment was apt, as the federal government has directed that relevant agencies prioritise investments in medical education and healthcare infrastructure to discourage citizens from seeking medical treatment abroad.
He emphasized that the approach included the improvement of the facilities used for the training of medical professionals and expanding the capacity of hospitals that provide public healthcare. Stating, that “We should significantly improve the facilities available, not only for the teaching of the four core medical courses; medicine, pharmacy, nursing and dentistry, but also for the provision of healthcare for our teeming population.
Echono added that the country must also address shortages in other healthcare professions that support doctors within the medical system.
“At the top of the pyramid, we have medical doctors, but others provide critical support services. The question is how we can significantly increase the numbers in those relevant supporting fields.”
He therefore pledged that a case would be presented to the Board of Trustees under the Presidential Initiative on providing equipment and facilities for medical establishments and related fields
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Air Staff, appreciated the organisation for its unwavering commitment to the development of the institutions of the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in infrastructure development and academic capacity building.
“It is indeed a great pleasure for me and members of my delegation to be here today at the headquarters of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund,” he said.
He appealed to TETFund for intervention at the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine.
“The school will not only cater to the Nigerian Air Force but will also serve our civilian counterparts.”
