The Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, formerly the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, has announced plans to commence operations as a full-fledged university in the 2027/28 academic session.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the institution, Dr Mukail Aremu Akinde, disclosed this while marking his fourth anniversary in office, noting that the transition was progressing through a carefully structured process.
Akinde, who assumed office on September 27, 2022, said the institution had recorded significant growth during his tenure, with its student population increasing from fewer than 10,000 to more than 27,000.
He added that the number of academic programmes had also risen from about 34 to more than 100 as the institution prepares to complete its transition to the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro.
According to the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Sola Abiala, committees led by former University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ramon Bello, and the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Dr Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro, are overseeing different aspects of the transition.
Akinde said the institution was working towards securing the necessary approvals and completing the processes required for the university to commence academic activities.
“Our people should know that the work of changing FPI to FUTI is progressing. Only that thing must be done strategically,” he said.
“God willing, we are targeting the 2027/28 academic session as a start-off year. With the institution preparing for National Universities Commission verification, we are also working on an Academic Brief, after which a new institutional Master Plan is expected to be finalised.”
As part of the expansion, the institution has increased its schools from six to eight with the establishment of the School of Agriculture and the School of Art, Design and Printing Technology.
The institution has also introduced departments and programmes focused on industrial and technological manpower development. They include Metallurgical Technology, Automotive Technology, Auto-body Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Cement Technology, Welding and Fabrication, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Technology, Animal Health, Horticulture, Crop Production and Agricultural Extension.
Akinde said some of the specialised programmes were developed to provide skilled manpower for industries such as Dangote Cement Plc at Ibese, other cement manufacturing companies and the Dangote refinery.
The institution has also recorded developments in research and innovation, including patents for a three-in-one electric tricycle incorporating solar and compressed natural gas technology, as well as an Internet of Things-enabled solar egg incubator and hatcher with dynamic environmental controls.
Other innovations attributed to the institution include an integrated mixer and extruder for mechanised kokoro production, a motorised palm-oil digester, a compact plastic-bottle shredder and a biometric system for student and staff attendance and access control.
Speaking on the planned university structure, Iro-Idoro said the institution would commence with nine faculties covering Engineering Technology, Sciences, Environmental Technology, Communication and Information, Administrative and Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Computing, Agricultural Technology and Visual Arts.
She added that the proposed structure would also include a Centre for General Studies.
Meanwhile, the Registrar, Mrs Aderonke Folasade Babatola, said the institution's expansion had increased the demand for academic and non-academic manpower.
According to her, the institution currently has at least 80 PhD holders and has recruited 371 members of staff in two batches of 146 and 225.
Babatola added that the institution was seeking relevant waivers to enable it to recruit more professors.
Akinde also disclosed that the institution was digitising students' academic records and results dating back to 1979.
He said the initiative was aimed at reducing the time required to process transcripts, with a target of issuing transcripts within 24 hours and completing student registration electronically without relying on physical files.
He added that the Directorate of Printing currently produces about 30 per cent of examination booklets and all students' files.
According to him, government and Tertiary Education Trust Fund interventions had also contributed significantly to the institution's infrastructural development through high-impact and special interventions, agricultural farm grants, the Senate Building, innovation hubs and other capital projects.
Akinde said the institution's capital expenditure had increased from about N400 million in 2022 to billions of naira.
He also said Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola facilitated the institution's connection to the Papalanto feeder, while TETFund interventions were supporting the installation of 126 transformers across markets, banks and other commercial areas within the campus.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that his administration had facilitated 43 projects through internally generated revenue and constructed a Squadron Mobile Police base to strengthen security for students and staff.
Reflecting on his four years in office, Akinde attributed the institution's achievements to the collective efforts of the governing council, principal officers, management, staff, students and unions.
“We haven’t done anything, other than that we have to do more collectively with the Council, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, Heads of Units, Staff, Students and the Unions,” he said.
He noted that the increase in student enrolment had also contributed to the economic activities of the host community, benefiting transport operators, food vendors, traders and other businesses.
Akinde attributed the cordial relationship between the institution and the host community to the cooperation of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle.
Akinde began his career at the institution in 1987 as a clerk in the Bursary Department before serving in various administrative capacities. He later became an instructor in 1999.
He obtained a National Diploma in Accountancy from the institution in 1991 and a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy in 1994.
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