Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Secures TETFund Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has secured approval for a special intervention grant from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cyber Sciences at the institution.

The development was announced by the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, who revealed that the institution was selected as one of only two public tertiary institutions in the South-East region to benefit from the latest TETFund intervention.

The approval is part of TETFund’s initiative to establish six new Centres of Excellence across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with a focus on emerging technology fields, including Robotics, Coding, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity.

With the addition of the six new centres, the number of TETFund-supported Centres of Excellence across the country will increase from 30 to 36.

The centres are designed to promote advanced research, innovation, and technological development through the provision of modern facilities and resources. Although the initiative was initially focused on public universities, the latest intervention expands access to other public tertiary institutions with strong potential for technology-driven advancement.

Speaking during an enlarged management meeting held at the Polytechnic Council Chamber, Dr. Okoro Kalu disclosed that the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre would be equipped with 300 computer systems to support learning, research, and practical training.

He further stated that TETFund has already appointed a contractor responsible for implementing the project, expressing appreciation to the Fund for recognising the institution’s capacity and potential to host the specialised centre.

The Rector noted that the establishment of the centre would significantly enhance technology education at the Polytechnic while providing students and researchers with opportunities to develop relevant skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and other emerging digital fields.

As preparations continue for the relocation of the institution to its Osisioma Campus, Engr. Okoro Kalu commended the Abia State Government for its support and commitment toward the approval, construction, and reconstruction of critical infrastructure projects at the Polytechnic.

He also announced that the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed 1,000-seat auditorium at the Osisioma Campus would hold on Friday, June 5.

The establishment of the TETFund Centre of Excellence is expected to position Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic as a major hub for technology innovation, research, and digital skills development in Nigeria’s South-East region.