The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has issued a strong warning to pioneer students and lecturers against absenteeism as the university formally commenced its maiden lectures for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Prof. Aribisala gave the warning on Monday while delivering the institution’s first lecture titled Introduction to Physics, marking a symbolic and academic takeoff of activities at the newly established university. He urged students to attend lectures regularly, arrive promptly, and take their academic responsibilities seriously from the onset.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, regular class attendance is central to the vision of FUTES, which is designed to produce disciplined, skilled, and globally competitive graduates. “When students attend their classes consistently, you are producing graduates that are solid and well-grounded,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also placed lecturers on notice, stressing that absenteeism would not be tolerated at any level. “Lecturers must come for their classes; it is compulsory here. If a lecture is two hours, the lecturer must engage the students for the full two hours as stated in the timetable,” Aribisala stated.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on February 20, 2025, assented to the bill establishing FUTES, Iyin Ekiti, as a specialised institution focused on science, technology, environmental studies, and innovation-driven education.
In a statement issued earlier by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the university was described as an institution “designed to serve as a training ground for developing agriculture, science and technology professionals, while enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.”
Delivering the maiden lecture with the aid of PowerPoint to a packed auditorium, Prof. Aribisala assured students that modern, up-to-date teaching methodologies would be adopted to ensure they receive education comparable to that of students in leading global institutions.
“We are ensuring improved quality of teaching so that the graduates can be better. Beyond knowledge, emphasis is now on skills and students’ attitudes to learning, lectures, and reading,” the Vice-Chancellor explained.
He warned that failure to participate fully in lectures could negatively affect students’ educational outcomes and future employability, stressing that FUTES was established to address gaps between academic knowledge and practical competence.
Prof. Aribisala further stressed that the institution would not tolerate cultism, unregistered associations, night parties, or other activities capable of damaging the university’s image. “Students are here to work, not to join unregistered groups or indulge in distractions,” he cautioned.
He advised students to make effective use of the library and academic facilities, noting that “lectures have started, and students should begin to prepare for their future from now by reading and attending classes.”
The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that first-semester examinations have been scheduled for April, reaffirming the university’s commitment to strict adherence to academic calendars and standards.
Speaking earlier at a prayer session organised to mark the smooth academic takeoff of the university, Prof. Aribisala reiterated that FUTES was deliberately structured to tackle unemployment, environmental challenges, and skills gaps through technology-driven education.
