By Ayodele Oni
The new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), at Iyin, Ekiti state will begin academic activities this year despite inadequate facilities.
A delegation from the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC), tagged the Ministerial Assessment Team, visited FUTES, and observed that some facilities still need to be put in place.
The team inspected facilities ready for use at both the temporary and permanent sites of the university which include the ICT building, central laboratory, chemistry and physics laboratories, classrooms, clinic, library, boreholes, hostels and a 500-seater auditorium.
The team identified additional needs for the university’s effective take-off which include official vehicles for the four principal officers, 10 directors, the Pro-Chancellor, four deans, four additional coaster buses, 25 laptops for principal officers and heads of units, a well-equipped library, Hilux vehicles for security personnel, and other utility vehicles.
The team raised questions on various aspects of the institution’s preparedness, including strategies for realising its ambitious goals, security arrangements, potable water, stable electricity, staff recruitment and a paradigm shift from existing practices in Nigerian universities.
During the on-the-spot assessment, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, presented the university’s physical master plan and prototype for Phase One development and also showcased the university’s functional website as well as other digital platforms ready for deployment.
In response, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Aribisala emphasised that the university is partnering with security agencies and leveraging community policing to guarantee safety, highlighting the peaceful nature of Iyin-Ekiti and surrounding areas.
“FUTES is determined to build a 21st-century university. We plan to convert waste to wealth by generating electricity for our use and eventually for the host community.”
On staff recruitment, he added: “Appointments into the university will be strictly merit-based. We will advertise vacancies in national dailies and on digital platforms to attract qualified applicants from across Nigeria. Computer literacy will be a key requirement, as we aim to recruit only the best.”
He acknowledged that many of the projects are capital-intensive and said the university is seeking partnerships with well-meaning individuals and organisations to realise its goals, particularly developing an administrative building.
Commenting on challenges in tertiary institutions, Professor Aribisala advocated increased oversight to ensure that university managements fulfil their mandates.
The team leader, Mrs. Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu and NUC representative, Dr. Joe Bisong, expressed satisfaction with the infrastructural development already achieved, especially given that the university is yet to access its take-off grant.
It commended the university management for its accomplishments within just two months of assuming office.
“We are impressed with the facilities on the ground. It is clear that the community is serious about the success of this university, as demonstrated by their willingness to donate land and infrastructure.”
She added that the team would compile and submit its report based on the visit, noting that the establishment of FUTES is a commendable step towards Nigeria’s development, expressing optimism that the institution would meet the standards of a modern, globally competitive university.
The team encouraged the Vice Chancellor to leverage research for meaningful development, particularly in energy generation and sustainable practices.
“If there must be a paradigm shift from the traditional model of universities producing theories without tangible societal impact, it must begin with the new generation of universities like FUTES.
“Nigerian universities should play key roles in job creation, innovation, and technological advancement,” the team emphasised.
