Lagos State University (LASU) has been selected by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to host the South-West Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Cybersecurity, securing a ₦3 billion intervention fund to drive research, innovation and digital skills development.
The selection was confirmed during a readiness assessment visit by a TETFund delegation led by Professor Okechukwu Onyenwe to the university on Wednesday.
The team inspected facilities earmarked for the centre, assessed existing infrastructure and held engagements with university management and technical personnel to evaluate LASU’s preparedness for the project.
Receiving the delegation, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, described the development as a significant milestone for the institution and pledged the university’s commitment to building a world-class centre capable of delivering cutting-edge research and training in emerging technologies.
She said LASU possesses the required human resources, institutional capacity and governance framework needed to establish and sustain the centre.
Speaking on behalf of TETFund, Professor Onyenwe said LASU emerged as the preferred institution in the South-West after a rigorous evaluation process that considered strengths in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, coding and other technology-driven fields.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital capacity, addressing skills gaps in critical technology sectors and preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in the global knowledge economy.
He noted that the project comes at a time when countries across the world are investing heavily in technological innovation, cyber resilience and digital workforce development.
The assessment visit also featured the presentation of an official communication from TETFund, marking another step towards the establishment of the centre.
Members of the TETFund delegation included Dr Suleiman Zangana, Deputy Director, and Mrs Oluwafunto Julius.
University officials present during the visit included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Afisi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin; and Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu.
The proposed centre is expected to position LASU as a leading hub for advanced research, innovation and capacity building in artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity within the South-West region and beyond.
