Lagos State University (LASU) has secured a grant of ₦3 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to establish a Centre of Excellence on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences (ARCS) in Southwest Nigeria. The university disclosed this on Friday in a statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer and Head of Media Relations Unit, Olaniyi Jeariogbe.
According to the statement, LASU was selected as the sole beneficiary in Southwest Nigeria for the centre under the 2026 Special Intervention Projects. The centre will focus on Coding and related digital technologies. Jeariogbe stated, "Lagos State University has emerged as the sole beneficiary institution for the establishment of a Tertiary Education Trust Fund Centre of Excellence on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences (ARCS) in Southwest Nigeria."
The grant, approved at ₦3 billion, will drive research, innovation, and capacity development in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Robotics, Coding, and other digital technologies. The selection recognized LASU's robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, digitized systems, and proven expertise in emerging technologies, reinforcing its reputation as Nigeria's most digitally advanced state university.
Jeariogbe noted that LASU's selection followed a rigorous national evaluation process. The university distinguished itself through demonstrated capacity, existing infrastructure, and a verifiable track record of excellence in digital technologies. This affirms LASU's standing as the "Most Digitally Advanced State University in Nigeria," built through sustained investment in ICT infrastructure and technology-driven education.
Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the centre will expand research, innovation, and skills training to address national digital gaps and boost participation in the global tech economy. The university management described the approval as both a recognition of past achievements and a responsibility to continue advancing. The centre is expected to consolidate LASU's leadership in technology education while equipping young Nigerians with critical digital competencies for the global knowledge economy.
The initiative aligns with TETFund's national mandate to strengthen Nigeria's technological capabilities, close the digital skills gap, and prepare the next generation for opportunities in a technology-dependent world. LASU management expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and TETFund for the investment, reaffirming its commitment to maximizing the centre's impact for students, staff, and the wider Nigerian society. The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the entire LASU community on this landmark achievement.
