The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has announced that the university will launch its academic activities with four faculties.
Speaking at a reception held in his honour by the 1979 alumni set of Ifaki Grammar School in Ifaki Ekiti on Sunday, Aribisala said the initial faculties will include Engineering, Computer Science, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Environmental Sciences. He also expressed optimism that the institution would begin admitting its first set of students by October.
The VC added that the university is aiming to operate a fully residential system. He appreciated his former classmates for the recognition and promised to continue supporting the alumni association when needed.
Aribisala said, “We are set to lay a solid foundation for academic excellence by running a fully residential institution that will produce disciplined graduates and 21st-century leaders capable of solving Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, particularly unemployment.”
He assured that the university would prioritise character and learning, saying, “Our vision is clear—FUTES must stand out as the number one university in Africa.
“We are committed to building a problem-solving, human-centred institution, and we cannot afford to run a wishy-washy system. This is not about making money, but about making Nigeria great”.
Aribisala reiterated that adverts for recruitment would soon be placed in the media and on the university website.
He cautioned applicants against patronising fraudulent sites or agents, noting that “only credible scholars willing to impart knowledge would be employed.”
He disclosed that the National Universities Commission had already conducted a resource verification exercise and expressed satisfaction with some of the facilities.
“We are only waiting for the NUC to formally communicate with us and JAMB. Admission of our first set of students is expected to begin by October 2025,” he said.
The Coordinator of the IGSOSA 1979 Set, Mr Olajide Familoye, who took pride in Aribisala’s appointment, said, “This success is our collective success.
“We believe that he will succeed in laying a solid foundation that will place FUTES on the world map”.
FUTES Registrar, Mr Oluwole Dada, appreciated IGSOSA for the passion to celebrate excellence and assured the university’s readiness to meet the people’s yearning in terms of academic excellence.