FUTES VC Calls for Strategic Partnerships as 1,564 Pioneer Students Matriculate in Iyin-Ekiti

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has called on public-spirited individuals and stakeholders to partner with the university in consolidating its take-off and accelerating its growth trajectory.

Prof. Aribisala made the call during the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony, where 1,564 pioneer students were formally inducted into the 2025/2026 academic session.

Addressing dignitaries, parents, and the newly admitted students, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that the responsibility of building a world-class institution cannot rest solely on government.

“There is nowhere in the world where the business of government is for the government alone. The university needs public-spirited individuals to assist us. Carry this gospel to the wider public and encourage them to support this institution,” he said.

He noted that universities are defined by the quality of their scholars and research output, disclosing that FUTES has already demonstrated strong academic promise despite its young age.

“Universities are known by the quality of their scholars. Out of the best five hundred scholars in Nigeria, this university has three,” he revealed.

According to him, the institution commenced academic activities within one year of its establishment, operating 36 departments across four faculties with a total of 1,564 students.

He described FUTES as a citadel poised to rank among leading universities globally within its first decade, anchored on transformative learning, cutting-edge research, innovation, sustainability, and ethical values.

The Vice-Chancellor charged the pioneer students to be worthy ambassadors of the institution and cautioned them against antisocial behaviours such as drug abuse, sexual assault, and intimidation, stressing that character and discipline would be as important as academic excellence.

In his goodwill message, the Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, announced a landmark ₦200 million annual research grant for lecturers of the university for the next five years.

“Beyond infrastructure, university education is about research. For the next five years, I will make available ₦200 million annually to support research and the work of the academic community. Though it may be a modest contribution, it is a commitment to strengthening this institution,” Bamidele stated. 

He disclosed that while the university currently operates four faculties, plans are underway to establish three additional faculties as part of its expansion strategy. 

He revealed that engagement has also commenced with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements for the University’s proposed faculty of medicine.

“At the permanent site, three additional faculty buildings are under construction. We are also constructing a hospital with an Intensive Care Unit, a Diagnostic Centre with MRI and CT scanning machines, an Eye Care Centre, a Dental Care Centre and a Kidney and Dialysis Centre. These facilities will complement the proposed faculties and form part of a Medical Village,” he said.

The Senate Leader described FUTES as a collective aspiration whose success must be jointly owned and protected.

“This is a community and collective dream. The glory of this university is too big for any one person to claim. It belongs to all of us,” he remarked, urging stakeholders to continue rallying around the institution.

Representing the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, the Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Azeez Mayowa, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the establishment bill of the university and lauded the Senate Leader for ensuring the institution commenced academic activities within one year.

He encouraged students to focus on creativity and service to humanity rather than mere certification.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Binta Masi Garba, urged the host community to prepare for expansion, noting that the university’s growth would translate into increased population and socio-economic activity.

“Iyin community should be ready; more students are coming. Let your doors be open,” she said.

The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, lauded the Senate Leader and the Governing Council for their commitment, assuring that the community remains ready to support the university’s progress. 

He also advised the students to uphold good conduct and integrity, encouraging them to approach the palace whenever they encounter challenges.