A ministerial delegation from the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) has completed an inspection visit to the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, to assess preparations ahead of its formal take-off.
The six-member team, designated as the Ministerial Assessment Team, included senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC. Among them were Mrs. Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of Universities; Dr. Kareem Olawale and Mrs. Elizabeth Emma-Egoro, Deputy Directors; Dr. Joe Bisong of the NUC Academic Planning Department; and Mallam Shehu Mohammed Aliyu and Mr. Markus Jonas, both Assistant Directors.
They were joined by Professor Rotimi Sanya, a member of FUTES’ Governing Council, as they toured both temporary and permanent campuses of the institution. Facilities inspected included ICT and science laboratories, classrooms, hostels, a clinic, a library, boreholes, and a 500-capacity auditorium. Ongoing developments such as additional classrooms, staff housing, and religious centres were also reviewed.
During the tour, the team identified further requirements necessary for full academic operations, including official vehicles for key personnel, additional buses, laptops, and a fully equipped library. They also noted the need for enhanced security vehicles and general utility support.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, presented a comprehensive master plan for the university’s development, alongside digital tools such as the school’s operational website and administrative platforms. He emphasized FUTES’ vision of becoming a 21st-century institution rooted in innovation, technology, and sustainability.
“We’re building a university that will not only serve academic needs but also contribute to energy solutions by converting waste to electricity. This initiative will serve both the university and the surrounding community,” Aribisala said.
He also addressed staff recruitment, stating that the process would be merit-based, with advertisements placed in national newspapers and online platforms. He stressed the importance of digital literacy for all prospective staff, in line with the institution’s forward-looking agenda.
The VC acknowledged the capital demands of the university’s vision, calling for strategic partnerships and support from private and public stakeholders. He also advocated stronger monitoring across Nigerian universities to ensure accountability and performance.
The team paid a courtesy visit to the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, who commended the federal government and President Bola Tinubu for bringing the university to the community. The monarch pledged the town’s unwavering support, urging stakeholders not to be distracted by negative online commentary.
“Don’t be swayed by social media mischief-makers. Iyin-Ekiti is united behind this institution and ready to support wherever needed,” Oba Ajakaiye said.
In her closing remarks, team leader Mrs. Ilyasu expressed satisfaction with the progress seen on-site, especially given that the university has yet to access its official take-off grant. She described the local community’s commitment, including land donations and infrastructure contributions, as highly commendable.
Dr. Joe Bisong of the NUC echoed her sentiments, noting that FUTES represents a promising direction for tertiary education in Nigeria. The team advised the university to harness research for practical development, particularly in energy and sustainability.
“New universities like FUTES must lead the change moving away from purely theoretical outputs to real-world solutions that foster job creation, technological advancement, and innovation,” the team concluded.
The final report of the assessment will be compiled and submitted to the appropriate authorities as FUTES gears up for full academic operations.
