The formal transition of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro into a premier degree granting institution reached a definitive milestone this week, signaling a transformative era for technological education in Nigeria. In a high level administrative development, the Federal Ministry of Education has officially confirmed the appointment of Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde as the acting Vice Chancellor of the newly minted Federal University of Technology, Ilaro. This elevation, codified in official correspondence dated February 9, 2026, serves as the structural bedrock for an institution now tasked with spearheading the nation’s drive toward industrial innovation and academic competitiveness on a global scale.
The issuance of these appointment letters represents the culmination of a strategic vision first set in motion in May 2025, when the Federal Government authorized the conversion of the polytechnic to a university. This systemic upgrade was not merely a title change but a calculated reinforcement of the national commitment to fostering high level technical manpower. By transitioning the leadership of the former polytechnic into the university’s inaugural administration, the ministry has prioritized institutional continuity and the preservation of the academic excellence that defined the predecessor's reputation. Under the directive of the Federal Ministry, these appointments are structured as a continuation of a single five year term, ensuring a stable and focused leadership trajectory during this critical gestational period of the university’s history.
Leading the charge alongside Dr. Akinde, a distinguished fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI), is a specialized cabinet of Principal Officers. The registrarial duties have been entrusted to Mrs. Babatola Aderonke Folasade, while the university’s financial frameworks will be managed by Dr. Akinola Moruf Abiodun as Bursar. Completing the executive quartet is Dr. Atulomah Bola Christy, who assumes the role of University Librarian. Together, this cohort of seasoned administrators is mandated to oversee the rigorous shift from a vocational-technical focus to a research intensive university model, a task that involves the overhaul of curricula, the expansion of faculty research grants, and the modernization of campus infrastructure to meet university standards.
This administrative formalization triggers the commencement of a new operational phase for the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro. The institution is now poised to leverage its newfound status to attract international research partnerships and increase its capacity for postgraduate development. The Public Relations and Protocol Office of the university has characterized this development as a landmark achievement, one that validates the decades of academic rigor contributed by the Ilaro community. As the institution moves forward, the focus remains fixed on the pillars of innovation and global competitiveness, positioning the university as a vital engine for Nigeria’s technological advancement and a beacon of scholarly integrity in the West African sub region.
