FUTES-IYIN Vice-Chancellor Prioritizes Staff Development, Partners with NIPR for Institutional Branding

Acknowledging the pivotal role capacity building and professional exposure play in the growth and sustainability of any academic institution, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti (FUTES-IYIN), Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the continuous training and development of staff of the institution. 

Aribisala gave the reassurance on Wednesday while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ekiti State Chapter, who paid him a familiarization visit in his office.

Speaking during the engagement, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the critical importance of training in shaping a competent and forward-thinking workforce, noting that no institution can rise above the quality and exposure of its personnel.

“I know the importance of training. I know what it means for FUTES staff to be well exposed and trained. I am a product of intense training, and I will never handle matters of staff development with levity in this University,” he said.

He further stressed that knowledge acquisition remains fundamental to productivity and innovation. 

According to him, “It is difficult to put into use what you do not know or have. That is why we will continue to prioritize opportunities that expose our staff to best practices across institutions.”

Reflecting on the journey of the University so far, Aribisala described the FUTES story as one driven by resilience, vision, and a shared commitment to excellence.

He called for a reorientation, particularly across newly established tertiary institutions, urging them to imbibe the FUTES development template, which prioritizes sacrifice, responsibility, and collective ownership over personal gains.

According to him, “What people will remember is not your lamentations, but the solid foundation you lay and the results you achieve. Institutions must be driven by a shared vision where stakeholders are willing to make sacrifices for long-term success.”

He added that the FUTES model, driven by commitment and selflessness among principal officers and pioneer staff, has been instrumental in the steady progress recorded so far, noting that such a mindset remains critical for any institution seeking sustainable growth.

“My experience across different tertiary institutions has shown me what a standard university should look like. I am glad that FUTES is taking the right shape despite the odds. What we are doing here is just the beginning of something truly remarkable,” Aribisala said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of NIPR in Ekiti State, Mr. Adesua Anthony Omololu, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and commended the rapid growth and rising profile of FUTES-IYIN within a short period.

He explained that the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration with the University, particularly in strengthening its public image and institutional reputation.

“As the statutory body responsible for regulating public relations practice in Nigeria, we consider it important to partner with FUTES in shaping and projecting a positive image that reflects its vision and achievements,” he said.

Omololu further emphasized that public relations is a collective responsibility, urging all stakeholders within the University to see themselves as ambassadors of the institution.

“Every member of this University community must see themselves as a custodian of its image. Building a strong and credible reputation requires collective effort,” he added.

The visit also featured discussions on strategic collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and the role of effective communication in institutional growth.