The Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has reaffirmed the institution’s resolve to fulfill its core mandate of producing world-class graduates capable of placing Nigeria on the global stage in science, innovation, and technology.
Speaking during a programme in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Prof. Aribisala expressed the university’s readiness to collaborate with individuals, organisations, and development partners to achieve its vision of technological transformation.
“We have started laying the foundation for meaningful change in technology, and we want people to support us to achieve this lofty dream,” he said.
Aribisala stressed that Nigeria has the potential to rival developed nations in technological innovation and production.
“We can produce many of the things we currently import. The capacity is here — we just need the right investment in knowledge and technology,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor explained that FUTES was structured to produce graduates who are “solution-driven, innovative, and entrepreneurial,” rather than those solely seeking white-collar jobs. To this end, the institution has introduced forward-looking academic programmes such as Robotics, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Data Science, and Mechatronics, alongside conventional courses.
“We are ready to create knowledge, give back to society, and inspire academic excellence that will place Nigeria on a sound technological footing,” Aribisala stated.
He also called on philanthropists, private organisations, and public agencies to partner with the university through infrastructural development — including hostels, lecture halls, and laboratories — assuring that such projects would be appropriately named in recognition of their contributors.
FUTES, alongside the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (Osun State), was established on February 20, 2025, following the approval of two separate bills signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the creation of the specialised institutions aims to “drive research, innovation, and national development while addressing Nigeria’s educational and economic needs.”
President Tinubu, in March, also appointed Senator Binta Garba as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the FUTES Governing Council. Garba, a former senator representing Adamawa North (2015–2019), was described by Onanuga as “a seasoned politician, businesswoman, and administrator” with a proven track record of leadership and service.
With its strong emphasis on science, technology, and environmental sustainability, FUTES is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce and boosting the nation’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
