TETFund has approved N3 billion for Lagos State University to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences, making the institution the only Southwest Nigeria beneficiary under the scheme. The university disclosed this in a statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer/Head, Media Relations Unit, Olaniyi Jeariogbe.

According to the statement, LASU emerged as the sole beneficiary institution in the region for the centre, which will also cover Coding and related digital technologies under the 2026 Special Intervention Projects. TETFund approved the sum of Three Billion Naira (N3,000,000,000.00) for the project, which is expected to drive research, innovation, and capacity development in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Robotics, Coding, and other digital technologies.

Jeariogbe explained that LASU's selection followed a rigorous national evaluation process in which the university distinguished itself through demonstrated capacity, existing institutional infrastructure, and a verifiable track record of excellence in emerging digital technologies. He noted that this reflects the institution's ICT infrastructure, digitised systems, and reputation as Nigeria's most digitally advanced state university.

Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji Bello, the centre will expand research, innovation and skills training aimed at addressing national digital gaps and boosting participation in the global tech economy.

The university management described the approval as both a recognition of what has been achieved and a responsibility toward what remains to be done. The statement added that the centre is expected to further strengthen LASU's leadership in technology education while equipping young Nigerians with the digital competencies required to participate meaningfully in the global knowledge economy.

The initiative aligns with TETFund's mandate to strengthen Nigeria's technological capabilities, close the digital skills gap and prepare Nigerians for an increasingly technology dependent world.

LASU's management expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and TETFund for the investment and reaffirmed its commitment to maximising the centre's impact for students, staff and the wider society. Professor Olatunji Bello also congratulated the LASU community on the achievement.