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- As FUTES matriculates 1,564 pioneer students at maiden matriculation ceremony
From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has promised N200 million annual research grant for lecturers of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Bamidele representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District of the state made this known during the maiden matriculation of 1,564 pioneer students of FUTES into the 2025/2026 academic session, where he noted that the annual donation will be for five years, to assist in strengthening both the academic and research capacity of the newly established university.
While hinting that plans are ongoing to establish three additional faculties to complement the four existing ones, he revealed that engagement has commenced with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements for the university’s proposed faculty of medicine and the provision of structures and critical equipment.
Bamidele also said that the university is developing a comprehensive medical complex to serve as a Medical Village to include a hospital equipped with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Diagnostic Centre with MRI and CT scanning machines, an Eye Care Centre, a Dental Care Centre and a Kidney and Dialysis Centre.
The facilities, he remarked, are designed to complement the proposed faculties and position FUTES as a centre of excellence in medical and environmental sciences.
“While we celebrate, I am mindful of the work ahead. We have a permanent site that must be completed within a specified time. We currently have four faculties and plan to add three more. We have engaged with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and they have advised us to focus on putting the required structures and equipment in place for accreditation.
“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. This is why, beyond excitement, I feel a strong sense of responsibility and motivation for what lies ahead. By the grace of God, it will be achieved.
“Beyond infrastructure, university education is about research. For the next five years, I will make available the sum of N200 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. We will also build partnerships with government and the private sector to ensure sustainable support for the university.”
The Senate Leader stressed that the institution is 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.”
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, called on public-spirited individuals and stakeholders to partner with the university in consolidating its take-off and accelerating its growth trajectory.
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The VC who explained that the institution commenced academic activities within one year of its establishment, operating 36 departments across four faculties with a total of 1,564 students, 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.
Aribisala 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 VC charged the new students to be worthy ambassadors of the institution. Noting that the citadel of learning has zero tolerance for antisocial behaviours, he cautioned them against indulging in acts such as drug abuse, sexual assault, exam malpractices, intimidation, secret cult, prostitution, among others.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting the bill of the university’s establishment. He also acknowledged the president’s untiring commitment to the development of education in the country.
Governor Oyebanji represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez, also extolled the Senate Leader for his giant strides and in making sure that the university commenced academic activities within one year of its establishment.
He charged the students to focus more on creativity and service to humanity rather than mere certification.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the university, 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 Ajakaiye, praised the Senate Leader and the Governing Council for their commitment, assuring that the community remains ready to support the university’s progress.
The monarch also advised the students to uphold good conducts, and face their studies. He urged them not to hesitate to approach the palace whenever they encounter challenges in their academic undertakings.
