The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has announced that the newly established institution will commence academic activities with four faculties in October 2025.
Speaking at a reception organised in his honour by the 1979 set of Ifaki Grammar School Old Students’ Association on Sunday, Aribisala listed the faculties as Engineering, Computer Science, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Environmental Sciences.
The VC said the institution was working towards operating a fully residential system, adding that FUTES would prioritise both character and learning.
“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. Our vision is clear—FUTES must stand out as the number one university in Africa,” he said.
He noted that advertisements for recruitment would soon be published in national dailies and on the university’s website, warning applicants against patronising fraudulent agents or sites. According to him, only credible scholars committed to imparting knowledge would be engaged.
Aribisala disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had conducted a resource verification exercise and expressed satisfaction with facilities on ground, adding that the university was awaiting formal communication from both NUC and JAMB before admissions could commence.
He appealed for support from public-spirited individuals and organisations in the areas of hostel accommodation, scholarships, and infrastructure, stressing that government alone could not meet the university’s funding needs.
Coordinator of the IGSOSA 1979 set, Mr. Olajide Familoye, described Aribisala’s appointment as a collective success and expressed confidence in his ability to lay a strong foundation for FUTES. The institution’s Registrar, Mr. Oluwole Dada, also commended the association for celebrating excellence and assured that the university was ready to meet the people’s aspirations for quality education.
President Bola Tinubu had in March appointed Senator Binta Garba as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council of the university. Garba, a former senator representing Adamawa North and former member of the House of Representatives, was described by the Presidency as a seasoned politician, businesswoman, and administrator.
