Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has secured a special intervention grant from TETFund for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences.

The Rector, Dr. Christopher Kalu, announced the development during an enlarged management meeting held on Tuesday at the Polytechnic Council Chamber. He disclosed that the institution was selected as one of only two public tertiary institutions in the South East to benefit from the intervention.

According to him, TETFund has decided to establish six new Centres of Excellence across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with focus areas that include Robotics, Coding, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Cybersecurity. He noted that the move will raise the number of TETFund supported Centres of Excellence nationwide from 30 to 36.

The centres were originally designated for public universities and are expected to be equipped with modern facilities to promote innovation, strengthen research and support Nigeria’s technological development. Dr. Kalu also revealed that the project will include the installation of 300 computers.

He added that TETFund has already appointed a contractor to handle the project and expressed appreciation to the Fund for considering the polytechnic worthy of the intervention. The rector said the approval marks a major development for the institution and its academic ambitions.

Dr. Kalu also spoke on the planned relocation to the Osisioma Campus, noting that the institution is preparing for the move. He commended the Abia State Government for its support in the approval, construction and reconstruction of critical infrastructure currently ongoing at the polytechnic.

He further announced the foundation laying ceremony for the proposed 1,000 seat auditorium, adding another major project to the institution’s development drive. The announcement comes as the polytechnic positions itself for expanded academic and infrastructural growth.