Senate Leader Gifts FUTES-Iyin Brand-New Toyota Hiace Bus, Reaffirms Commitment to Varsity Development

The 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), in another demonstration of his commitment to the development of the University, particularly its proposed College of Medicine.

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

The donation, designated for the proposed Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, comes as the University intensifies preparations towards securing accreditation for its Anatomy and Physiology programme.

Speaking on the intervention, Senator Bamidele reiterated his commitment to the growth and development of FUTES-Iyin, noting the importance of sustained support for the University's emerging academic programmes and infrastructure.

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

He also praised Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his support and intervention in relocating the college to its present site, thereby enabling the University to commence operations at its permanent location.

While reaffirming his commitment to the continued development of both institutions, he described them as important assets to Ekiti State, stressing the need to ensure that the development of one institution does not come at the expense of the other.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the University, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olumide Ogundipe, and accompanied by other principal officers of the University, expressed appreciation to Senator Bamidele for what he described as another significant intervention in the University's development.

Professor Aribisala assured the Senate Leader that the bus would be deployed for its intended purpose, particularly in support of the University's preparations for the proposed Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and its medical programmes.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Senator Bamidele's numerous interventions have continued to provide critical support for the University's growth, especially its efforts to establish the infrastructure and facilities required for the proposed College of Medicine.

The latest donation adds to a series of interventions by the Senate Leader since the establishment of FUTES-Iyin, including the donation of two Coaster buses, a Hilux vehicle and a Toyota Hiace bus for the University's medical centre, as well as motorcycles and tricycles to support operational activities and the commencement of academic operations.

Recall that during the University's maiden matriculation ceremony, Senator Bamidele pledged a one-billion-naira research grant to support the institution over a five-year period.

These interventions, Professor Aribisala noted, reflect the Senate Leader's sustained interest in the development of FUTES-Iyin and his commitment to helping the University build the institutional capacity, infrastructure and academic environment required 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 to education, healthcare and sustainable development in Ekiti State and beyond.