The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Professor Olugbenga Aribisala, has urged prospective staff to enhance their computer skills, stressing that the university will be driven by information and communication technology (ICT).
Professor Aribisala made the remarks over the weekend during a reception held in his honour by a committee of younger brothers, Messrs Morakinyo Ogunmodimu, Olusegun Adewumi, James Akosile, and Olumide Kumolalo, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that work has already commenced on the permanent site of the institution. He described the university as a progressive project focused on innovation, including plans to convert waste into wealth.
“Some of the waste you see around, whether domestic, institutional or industrial, we are going to channel these materials to generate electricity,” he said.
“We want to contribute our own quota, especially in the areas of energy, manpower development, and the quality of graduates.”
Professor Aribisala added that foundational structures are taking shape. “We have started the design phase, which is nearing completion and will be unveiled very soon.
“The academic brief is almost ready, the master plan is near finalisation, and the course content is complete. We are working on the self-study form and handbooks. The laboratories and classrooms are being prepared.”
He said recruitment will begin soon and assured that appointments will be based on merit and competitive selection.
“The vacancies will be advertised in national newspapers, on the university website, and across online media platforms. Since this is a federal university, applicants are expected to come from all parts of Nigeria.”
Describing his appointment as pioneer Vice Chancellor as a significant responsibility, Professor Aribisala acknowledged the challenge of building the university from the ground up.
“But the encouraging part is that we have the full backing of the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education, and all educational parastatals,” he said.
On what will set FUTES apart from other universities, he promised to attract a diverse group of qualified professors to foster knowledge creation.
Focusing on welfare, the Vice Chancellor expressed his vision for a university environment where staff and students maintain positive relations.
“We want FUTES to be a residential university for both staff and students. We are aware of challenges faced by other universities and intend to avoid them. While other institutions excel, there is always room for improvement,” he said.
Former governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni, praised Professor Aribisala’s appointment.
“Being a pioneer Vice Chancellor is a rare opportunity. He has a unique chance to deliver on his vision, setting a standard for those who come after him. He takes his responsibilities seriously and strives for excellence in everything he does,” Oni said.
Dr Dayo Oladebeye, the immediate past Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, described the Vice Chancellor as “a man of many parts” who is approachable and unassuming. He said Professor Aribisala is a perfect fit for his role.
“He is humble and easy to engage with at any time. Pioneering a university is not easy, so I urge him to always put God first. We pray that God will continue to guide him as he steers the university forward,” Dr Oladebeye said.
High Chief Dr Tope Aluko, a longtime friend of the Vice Chancellor and native of Iyin-Ekiti, recalled their days as students at the University of Ilorin and later as colleagues at Ekiti State University.
He described Professor Aribisala as brilliant yet reserved, praising his leadership qualities as a manager, mentor, teacher, and disciplinarian.
“Professor Aribisala listens carefully, often letting others speak before making decisions. More often than not, his decisions prove to be spot on. He commands respect from colleagues and subordinates alike. Iyin-Ekiti is fortunate to have him as the VC of FUTES,” Dr Aluko said.
Professor Olumide Moses Ogundipe, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Ekiti State University and a founding member of that faculty, said they were not surprised by President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Aribisala as pioneer Vice Chancellor.
“He has always been supportive of others’ success and I encourage him to keep up this spirit,” Professor Ogundipe said.
Reverend Mrs Modupe Salami, Senior Pastor of Chapel of His Glory, Ado-Ekiti, commended the Vice Chancellor as a devoted Christian who is diligent, consistent, and committed both in his academic work and in the church.
“He is making waves in the academic world and in the church, and we are proud to count him among us,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the reception committee, Mr Olumide Kumolalo said they prayed for Professor Aribisala’s advancement and were delighted that he had become Vice Chancellor of a federal university.
“He now has the opportunity to lay a strong foundation and leave a lasting legacy. We want to celebrate him while he is still with us,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries from various fields, including Professor Rotimi Sanya, pioneer Provost of the College of Medicine at Afe Babalola University and member of FUTES’s Governing Council; the university bursar, Mrs Rachael Ajayi; the Vice Chancellor’s mother; royal fathers; and numerous academics. The occasion culminated with a presentation of gifts to Professor Aribisala by well-wishers.
