The Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES) in Iyin Ekiti is set to begin operations with academic programmes across four key faculties, according to the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala.
Speaking at a reception organised by the 1979 set of the Ifaki Grammar School Old Students Association (IGSOSA) in Ifaki Ekiti on Sunday, Aribisala revealed that the institution aims to start admitting students in October 2025. The four founding faculties are Engineering, Computer Science, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Environmental Sciences.
Aribisala highlighted the university’s commitment to establishing a fully residential system that will foster an environment conducive to both academic and personal development. He expressed confidence that FUTES would lay a solid foundation for producing graduates capable of addressing some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, particularly in tackling unemployment.
“We are setting the stage for academic excellence,” Aribisala said. “FUTES will be a fully residential institution designed to produce disciplined graduates equipped to solve real-world problems and contribute meaningfully to the 21st century. Our goal is not just to be a university, but to become the number one institution in Africa.”
The Vice Chancellor emphasised that character development would be central to the university’s mission. “It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about shaping individuals who will drive societal change. FUTES will focus on character and learning, building a human-centred institution that prioritises problem-solving over profit.”
Aribisala also assured the public that recruitment efforts for the university would begin soon, with advertisements to be placed in various media outlets and on the university’s website. He cautioned prospective applicants to beware of fraudulent agents and websites, stressing that only credible scholars with a passion for teaching would be employed.
The university has already undergone a resource verification by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which expressed satisfaction with the available facilities. Aribisala noted that the NUC’s formal communication, as well as approval from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), is expected shortly. “Once we receive official clearance, we will proceed with the admission of our first cohort of students,” he confirmed.
Mr. Olajide Familoye, the Coordinator of the IGSOSA 1979 set, commended Aribisala’s appointment, describing his success as a collective achievement for the group. “This success reflects the pride and effort of the entire IGSOSA 1979 set. We believe that Prof. Aribisala will lay the groundwork for FUTES to become a globally recognised institution,” Familoye said.
FUTES Registrar, Mr. Oluwole Dada, also expressed gratitude to IGSOSA for their continued support. He assured that the university was fully prepared to meet the community’s aspirations in delivering quality education.
In June, Aribisala had appealed for support in the construction of hostel facilities for the university. “We are currently facing funding challenges,” he said. “The government alone cannot shoulder the financial burden, and that’s why we are reaching out to well-meaning individuals and organisations to contribute. We welcome donations in the form of buildings, scholarships, and hostel construction, with opportunities for donors to benefit from rent income.”
University leadership and stakeholders are optimistic that FUTES will become a key player in Nigeria’s higher education landscape, delivering both academic excellence and so
