Senate Leader Donates Brand-New Toyota Hiace Bus to FUTES-IYIN, Reaffirms Support for University Development

Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has donated a brand-new Toyota Hiace bus to the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti (FUTES-IYIN), reaffirming his commitment to the development and expansion of the institution, particularly the proposed College of Medicine.

The vehicle was presented on behalf of Senator Bamidele by the first Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, during the commissioning of renovated facilities at Government Science College, Iyin-Ekiti.

The bus, which is designated for the proposed Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, comes as the university intensifies efforts to secure accreditation for its Anatomy and Physiology programmes as part of its preparations for the establishment of medical programmes.

Speaking on the donation, Senator Bamidele restated his commitment to supporting the continued growth and development of FUTES-IYIN, emphasising the importance of sustained interventions in academic programmes, infrastructure and other areas critical to the university's development.

He commended Otunba Niyi Adebayo for his role in facilitating the smooth transition of students of Government Science College, Iyin-Ekiti, following the adoption of the college's former permanent site for the commencement of the university.

The Senate Leader also commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for supporting the relocation of the college to its present site, an intervention that enabled FUTES-IYIN to begin operations at its permanent location.

Senator Bamidele reaffirmed his commitment to the continued development of both institutions, describing them as important assets to Ekiti State. He stressed that the advancement of one institution should not be achieved at the expense of the other.

Receiving the vehicle on behalf of the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olumide Ogundipe, expressed appreciation to Senator Bamidele for what he described as another significant intervention in the development of FUTES-IYIN.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by other principal officers of the university.

Professor Aribisala assured the Senate Leader that the bus would be put to its intended use, particularly in supporting the university's preparations for the proposed Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and its planned medical programmes.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Senator Bamidele's interventions over time have provided critical support for the growth of the university, particularly its efforts to develop the infrastructure and facilities required for the proposed College of Medicine.

The latest donation is part of a series of interventions made by the Senate Leader since the establishment of FUTES-IYIN. These include:

• Two Coastal long buses
• A Hilux vehicle
• A Toyota Hiace bus for the university's medical centre
• Motorcycles
• Tricycles to support operational activities and the commencement of academic operations

The university also recalled that during its maiden matriculation ceremony, Senator Bamidele pledged a ₦1 billion research grant to support the institution over a five-year period.

Professor Aribisala noted that the various interventions demonstrate Senator Bamidele's sustained interest in the development of FUTES-IYIN and his commitment to helping the university build the institutional capacity, infrastructure and academic environment needed to fulfil its mandate.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that continued collaboration among the university, its benefactors and other stakeholders would accelerate the institution's development and strengthen its capacity to contribute meaningfully to education, healthcare and sustainable development in Ekiti State and beyond.