The Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, has revealed that the institution is set to commence staff recruitment and admit its pioneer set of students soon. He cautioned prospective applicants against fraudulent platforms, noting that all processes would be transparent and credible.
Speaking during a reception organized in his honour by the 1979 set of the Ifaki Grammar School Old Students Association (IGSOSA) in Ado-Ekiti, the Vice Chancellor explained that FUTES was conceived as a twenty-first-century university designed to blend knowledge with character, in order to produce disciplined leaders capable of solving Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
Professor Aribisala clarified that the institution would be fully residential, a deliberate move to instill discipline, ensure close mentoring, and provide a conducive environment for holistic learning. According to him, the residential model would enable FUTES to stand out as a pioneer institution in grooming globally competitive graduates.
Outlining the institution’s staffing model, the VC disclosed that 75 per cent of academic positions in the first recruitment exercise would be reserved for seasoned scholars, while the remaining 25 per cent would go to competent young graduates. He maintained that only credible and passionate academics willing to impact society positively would be employed.
“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 declared, drawing applause from the gathering.
He further revealed that recruitment advertisements would be rolled out by October 2025 through national dailies, online platforms, radio, and the university’s official website, www.futes.edu.ng. According to him, this approach would ensure transparency and reach a wide pool of qualified candidates.
On the academic structure, the Vice Chancellor said FUTES would commence operations with four faculties: Engineering, Computer Science, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Environmental Sciences. He stressed that these areas were carefully selected to position the university as a hub for technological innovation and sustainable solutions to global and national challenges.
Professor Aribisala disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had already conducted a resource verification exercise on the institution and expressed satisfaction with its facilities. He added that the University was now awaiting formal approval from the NUC and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) before beginning admissions in October 2025.
The VC assured that his administration would embrace inclusiveness, transparency, and openness. He pledged to keep his doors open to students, staff, and the wider public for constructive criticism, promising that FUTES would be built on principles of accountability and service.
During the reception, the Coordinator of IGSOSA 1979 set, Mr. Olajide Familoye, expressed pride that one of their own now leads a federal university. He described Aribisala’s appointment as a collective success, expressing confidence that he would lay a solid foundation to put FUTES on the global academic map.
Other speakers, including Pastor Dipo Adelugba, Dr. Gbenga Olowolafe, and Mr. Opeyemi Oni, attested to the Vice Chancellor’s integrity and commitment since his days at Ifaki Grammar School. They urged him to protect his reputation and remain steadfast in upholding the values of discipline and service.
The FUTES Registrar, Mr. Oluwole Dada, also lauded IGSOSA for celebrating excellence, assuring that the institution was ready to meet the yearnings of Nigerians for quality education. The event was graced by dignitaries including the Olufaki of Ifaki Ekiti, Oba Falore; FUTES Librarian, Professor Isaac Busayo; Professor Olumide Ogundipe; Professor Olatunji Folorunso; Proprietor of PETOA Group of Schools, Pastor Peter Ajayi; Mrs. Evelyn Aribisala, wife of the celebrant, and several well-wishers.
