FUTESI Vice-Chancellor Calls for Stakeholder Support as Institution Marks Maiden Matriculation

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

Professor Aribisala made the appeal during FUTES’ maiden matriculation ceremony, where 1,564 pioneer students were formally inducted into the 2025/2026 academic session. Addressing dignitaries, parents, and students, he emphasised that building a world-class university cannot rely solely on government support.

“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 stated.

Highlighting the university’s academic promise, Professor Aribisala disclosed that FUTES, despite its youth, already counts three scholars among Nigeria’s top 500 and operates 36 departments across four faculties. He described the institution 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 pioneer students to act as ambassadors for the university, warning against antisocial behaviours such as drug abuse, sexual assault, and intimidation, and stressing that character and discipline are as important as academic excellence.

In a landmark commitment, the Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, announced a ₦200 million annual research grant for FUTES lecturers over the next five years, reinforcing the university’s focus on research as a core pillar of higher education. He also confirmed plans to establish three additional faculties and noted ongoing engagement with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to secure accreditation for a proposed Faculty of Medicine.

The Vice-Chancellor further outlined ongoing infrastructure development at the permanent site, including three new faculty buildings, a hospital with an Intensive Care Unit, a diagnostic centre with MRI and CT scanning capabilities, an eye care centre, a dental care centre, and a kidney and dialysis centre, forming part of a planned Medical Village.

Representing the Governor of Ekiti State, Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Professor Azeez Mayowa, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the university’s establishment bill and lauded the Senate Leader for facilitating rapid commencement of academic activities.

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

The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, pledged continued community support for FUTES and advised students to uphold integrity and seek guidance from the palace whenever challenges arise.