…Reiterates commitment to build world-class university
By Editor
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti (FUTES), Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has reiterated his staunch commitment to building a world-class university anchored on excellence, quality manpower, and strategic partnerships.
Prof. Aribisala made this known while receiving members of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee on a courtesy visit to the university Tuesday.
Describing the task of pioneering a new university as demanding and sacrificial, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that the journey so far has been sustained largely by divine grace, resilience, and experience.
“Pioneering is demanding. Honestly, it is by the grace of God that I have been surviving and standing. Since the day I received this appointment, it has been from one responsibility to another,” he said.
He noted that his wide-ranging experience within the university system has adequately prepared him for the role, stressing that no responsibility feels entirely new to him.
“The experience I have gathered over the years has prepared me. I have served under six different Vice-Chancellors, and unless someone is unwilling to learn, it is impossible not to grow from such exposure,” he added.
Aribisala recalled that his aspiration to one day lead a university crystalized while serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, describing his current role as a culmination of years of service, mentorship, and institutional grooming.
He also disclosed that he is the first Professor produced by EKSU to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of a federal university, noting that the institution played a critical role in shaping his academic and administrative journey.
“EKSU made me. I am proud to represent the institution well, and I carry that responsibility consciously,” he said.
Highlighting the rapid progress recorded by FUTESI, the Vice-Chancellor observed that the university remains the only one among recently approved federal universities to have commenced full academic activities, a development he attributed to strategic planning and institutional readiness.
“Starting a university of less than one year after establishment with lectures already ongoing is not common. We began operations without receiving a dime from the Federal Government, yet academic activities have commenced promptly,” he stated.
He further emphasized that university rankings and long-term relevance are directly tied to the quality of academic staff, noting that FUTES currently boasts some of the best research minds in the country.
“A university cannot rank well without the right calibre of staff. Today, three of the best researchers in Nigeria are members of staff of FUTES,” he revealed.
Prof. Aribisala also reaffirmed the institution’s zero-tolerance for mediocrity, announcing that admission standards would not be compromised.
“If you score below 200 in the next admission exercise, you will not be admitted. We are committed to producing the best, and excellence will never be compromised,” he declared.
He assured the visiting delegation that the university remains open to professional engagement, collaboration, and partnerships that align with its vision of innovation, research, and global competitiveness.
Commending the EKSU PPP Committee, the Vice-Chancellor lauded its Chairperson, Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan, for her visionary leadership, describing the committee as a model of purposeful engagement between academia and industry.
Earlier, the delegation, led by the Chairman and ably represented by Prof. Isaac Ajayi, praised Prof. Aribisala for flying the EKSU flag high at the national level and expressed strong confidence in his leadership capacity.
They described his appointment as well-deserved, noting that EKSU has consistently produced stars who continue to make meaningful contributions within and outside the academic space.
Other members of the EKSU PPP Committee present during the courtesy visit include Arc. Adetunji Bello, Mrs. Idowu Aladesanmi, Eng. Bukola Olowosile, Mrs. Adedayo Folare, Barr. Gboyega Afolabi, Mr. Solomon Eseyin, Mr. Joseph Famokunde, and Mr. Olanrewaju Aluko.
