The Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, has received a major financial commitment from the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who pledged a ₦1bn research grant during its maiden matriculation ceremony. The institution officially welcomed 1,563 pioneer students at the event, marking a new chapter in the state’s education landscape.
Bamidele revealed that the grant would be disbursed at ₦200m annually over five years. He emphasised that the donation aims to foster cutting edge research and establish the university as a centre for innovation. The lawmaker also commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the enabling bill into law in February 2025, a move he believes will bolster the nation's global competitiveness.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Gbenga Aribisala highlighted the institution's rapid progress, noting that the National Universities Commission had approved 36 academic programmes across four faculties in its first year. He acknowledged the senator's earlier support, including take off grants and vehicles, which eased administrative operations.
Addressing the new students, Aribisala stressed the importance of character, warning that the institution has zero tolerance for vices such as drug abuse and cultism. “The university will not tolerate indiscipline or misconduct. For anyone to earn a degree from this university, such a person must be fit in character and learning,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
He appealed to corporate organisations for assistance in providing laboratories, workshop equipment, and hostel accommodation to accelerate development. Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Mayowa Azeez, pledged continued government support for higher education. The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, also expressed delight at the university's smooth take off and assured the management of the host community of full cooperation.
