EKSU Leadership Commends FUTES Management for Rapid Growth and Infrastructural Milestones

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has declared that the institution has become a development template for newly established universities in Nigeria, citing its rapid infrastructural growth, academic take-off, and strong administrative foundation.

Prof. Aribisala made this known during a courtesy visit by the Management of Ekiti State University (EKSU) to FUTES, where he highlighted the University’s unique journey since inception.

According to him, FUTES commenced operations without receiving financial allocation from the Federal Government at the time of take-off, yet forged ahead with academic activities through strategic planning, prudent management, and alternative funding approaches.

“Out of the eight new federal universities approved by the Federal Government, FUTES is the only one that has commenced academic activities. 

“While others were still awaiting full structures and processes, we decided to take the bull by the horns. We refused to be constrained by limitations. Instead of waiting, we explored lawful alternatives and mobilized internal capacity to ensure that this University would not remain on paper,” he stated.

He described the University’s steady progress as evidence that purposeful leadership, clear vision, and collective commitment can drive institutional success even in challenging circumstances.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Prof. Aribisala lauded EKSU for providing him with the academic and administrative platforms that prepared him for the Vice-Chancellorship.

“I remain deeply grateful to Ekiti State University for the opportunities and exposure I received over the years. Those experiences prepared me for this responsibility. I had long conceived the vision of becoming a Vice-Chancellor, but beyond personal aspiration, I saw the hand of God in the journey. Every step aligned in ways only divine orchestration could explain,” he said.

He congratulated the EKSU Vice-Chancellor for producing what he described as the first Vice-Chancellor of a Federal University in the history of the institution, noting that he carries the EKSU legacy with pride.

“I am a proud ambassador of EKSU. What many institutions have struggled to achieve within a short period, we have pursued deliberately and systematically at FUTES,” he added.

Speaking on academic standards, Prof. Aribisala emphasized that FUTES is intentional about quality and global relevance.

“At FUTES, we are deliberate about maintaining high academic standards. Our recruitment process is rigorous and merit-based. To be considered for certain academic positions, a Professor, for instance, must demonstrate credible international research visibility, including a 20% minimum benchmark in indexed publications such as Scopus. This reflects the quality threshold we have set for ourselves.”

He noted that this commitment to excellence explains the caliber of academic and administrative personnel currently serving in the University.

Meanwhile, earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, commended Prof. Aribisala and his team for what he described as visionary and result-driven leadership. 

He observed that the pace of development at FUTES, particularly in infrastructure, manpower development, and administrative coordination, was impressive for a young institution.

Prof. Ayodele remarked that FUTES already operates with the structure and outlook of a university that has existed for two to three years, despite limited financial resources. 

He noted that the EKSU Management was not surprised at the giant strides recorded, considering Prof. Aribisala’s distinguished track record while serving at EKSU prior to his appointment.

The EKSU Vice-Chancellor further emphasized the importance of inter-institutional collaboration and expressed readiness to strengthen partnership between both universities for mutual growth and advancement of higher education in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.

Meanwhile, in his closing remarks, Prof. Aribisala reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating the gains recorded so far and positioning FUTES as a model federal university anchored on innovation, environmental sustainability, and academic excellence.