• Donates over N31m, foodstuff to students
• Varsity matriculates 1,564 pioneer students for 2025/2026

The Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Opeyemi Bamidele, has pledged a yearly N1 billion research fund for lecturers at the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti.

He, however, said that the money would be paid in yearly N200 million instalments for a period of five years.

The senator, representing Ekiti Central at the National Assembly, also donated over N31 million, with each of the matriculating students getting N20,000 each with food items.

Bamidele announced at the weekend, during the university’s first matriculation ceremony, where the institution formally matriculated 1,564 pioneer students into the 2025/2026 academic session.

In his goodwill message, the Senate Leader outlined an ambitious expansion plan aimed at strengthening both the academic and research capacity of the institution.

The Senate Leader disclosed that while the university currently operates four faculties, arrangements are underway to establish three additional faculties as part of its growth strategy.

Bamidele, who also revealed that engagement had commenced with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, particularly in the provision of structures and critical equipment, further announced that the university is developing a comprehensive medical complex to serve as a Medical Village, which will include a hospital equipped with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Diagnostic Centre with MRI and CT scanning machines, an Eye Care Centre, a Dental Care Centre and a Kidney and Dialysis Centre.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, disclosed that the institution commenced academic activities within one year of its establishment with 36 departments across four faculties and a total of 1,564 students.

Aribisala described FUTES as a citadel of learning poised to rank among leading universities globally within its first decade, noting that the university’s mission is to contribute to the progress of humanity through transformative learning anchored on cutting-edge teaching and research.

The vice chancellor outlined the institution’s objectives to include the provision of world-class education in technology and environmental sciences, promotion of innovation and creativity among students, development of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and the entrenchment of ethical values.

He, therefore, urged the pioneer students to be worthy ambassadors of the university and cautioned them against antisocial behaviours, such as drug abuse, sexual assault and intimidation, stressing that discipline and character would be as important as academic excellence in their journey at FUTES.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Dr Azeez Mayowa, hailed President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill of the university’s establishment, noting that his continued efforts to the development of education in the country can’t be overemphasised.

He also extolled the Senate Leader for his giant strides and in making sure that the university commences academic activities within one year of its establishment, urging the students to focus more on creativity and service to humanity rather than certifications.