The Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has appealed to individuals, groups, and organisations to partner with the institution in advancing technology and promoting academic excellence.
Speaking during a programme in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Aribisala said the university was built on a vision to drive meaningful change through innovation and collaboration.
“We have started laying the foundation for meaningful changes in technology, and we want people to support us to achieve this lofty dream,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to match developed countries in technological innovation if its people work together and invest in education. “We can produce many things that improve the quality of life without depending on importation. In fact, we can do it,” he added.
Prof. Aribisala explained that the university, also known as FUTES, was designed to produce graduates driven by creativity and problem-solving skills rather than the search for white-collar jobs.
Among the specialised courses offered by the university are Robotics, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Data Science, and Mechatronics, in addition to other conventional programmes.
He noted that FUTES aims to “create knowledge, give back to society, and make life meaningful through academic excellence,” while inspiring students to contribute to national development through technology.
The VC also encouraged well-meaning Nigerians to support the university by building hostels, lecture halls, and classrooms, assuring that such projects could be named after their sponsors or developed through partnerships.
President Bola Tinubu had, on February 20, 2025, signed the bill establishing FUTES, Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the institutions were created to meet the country’s educational needs, drive research and innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
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