FUTES VC Reaffirms Commitment To Driving Technological Innovation, Seeks Partnerships For Development

The Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, has reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to nurturing a new generation of technologically driven graduates capable of positioning Nigeria as a global hub for innovation and academic excellence.

Speaking during a programme in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Aribisala said the university was building a solid foundation to drive meaningful technological advancement and called on individuals, corporate bodies, and development partners to collaborate with the institution in realising its vision.

“We have started laying the foundation for meaningful changes in technology, and we want people to support us to achieve the lofty dream,” he said.

The VC expressed optimism that Nigeria had the potential to rival developed nations in science and technology if the right investments were made in education and innovation.

“Nigeria has the potential to be like other developed countries in terms of technology. We can produce so many things that can enhance the quality of life without necessarily importing them. In fact, we can do it,” Aribisala declared.

According to him, FUTES is designed to produce graduates who are passionate about development and entrepreneurship rather than “white-collar jobs,” stressing that the modern world requires individuals equipped with practical technological skills.

Highlighting the university’s academic focus, Aribisala revealed that FUTES offers cutting-edge courses such as Robotics, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Data Science, and Mechatronics, alongside other conventional programmes aimed at driving innovation and industrial transformation.

“We are ready to create knowledge, give back to society, and make life meaningful through academic excellence,” he added. “Our goal is to inspire our students to see the value in research and technology that will place the country on a sound footing globally.”

The VC also renewed his appeal to philanthropists and organisations to invest in the institution’s infrastructure by building hostels, lecture halls, and laboratories, assuring that such contributions would be duly recognised through naming rights or partnership acknowledgements.

FUTES was one of two specialised institutions established following President Bola Tinubu’s assent to separate bills on February 20, 2025. The second institution, the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, was also created to enhance Nigeria’s focus on research, innovation, and economic growth.

In a statement at the time, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the new universities were designed to meet the educational and technological needs of the nation while fostering global competitiveness.

“The institutions will serve as training grounds for developing agriculture, science, and technology professionals and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy,” he stated.

President Tinubu, in March, appointed Senator Binta Garba as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council of FUTES. Garba, a former senator representing Adamawa North, is a seasoned politician and administrator who also served in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2011.