FUTES Sets Academic Standards at Maiden Matriculation, Bamidele Commits N1bn Research Support

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, has formally welcomed 1,564 pioneer students into its academic community, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s rapid growth less than a year after its establishment.

At the maiden matriculation ceremony held in Iyin-Ekiti, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, described the event as a defining moment for the university, which has already commenced full academic activities across 36 departments in four faculties.

While congratulating the students, Aribisala underlined that excellence and discipline would remain the cornerstone of the institution. He declared a zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse, sexual misconduct, and cultism, stressing that the university is committed to nurturing not only academic brilliance but also sound character.

The VC also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to partner with the young institution through donations and public-private partnerships.

According to him, the university urgently requires laboratories, workshop equipment, buses, a modern library complex, faculty buildings, hostel accommodation, and other critical infrastructure to accelerate its development.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the university. He also acknowledged the support of the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman of Council, Senator Binta Garba; Mr Emmanuel Emefieim; and Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, for their leadership roles in laying a solid foundation for the institution.

In his remarks, Bamidele described the university as a dream fulfilled and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s technological and environmental future. He revealed plans to expand the institution with additional faculties in Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing.

In a major boost to research and innovation, Bamidele pledged an annual grant of N200 million over five years – amounting to N1 billion – to fund research activities for university lecturers.

Chairman of the Governing Council, Binta Garba, charged the new students to become worthy ambassadors of the institution, urging them to envision a future in which they would leave the university better than they found it.

The ceremony also featured generous welfare packages facilitated by the senate leader for both students and staff. Each matriculating student received a 10kg bag of rice, a yam tuber, 2kg of garri, a customised face cap and T-shirt, N20,000 cash, and an official congratulatory letter. Staff members got a 50kg bag of rice and N50,000 each.

With its strong start, expanding academic structure, and robust research funding, FUTES appears poised to become a major hub for technological and environmental innovation in Nigeria.