Adebayo Adenrele
...pledges annual ₦200 million research fund for Varsity’s Lecturers
The Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has gifted a sum of N20,000 to each of the 1564 pioneer Students of Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, totally N31,280,000.
This was disclosed during the 1st matriculation ceremony of the 2025/2026 Academic Session of the Institution, where other relief packages such as 10kg bags of rice, tubers of yam, clothing materials, among others, were also given to them.
In his goodwill message, Opeyemi Bamidele announced plans to expand the academic and research capacity of the University with the addition of three new faculties, major building projects at its permanent site and an annual ₦200 million research fund over the next five years.
He disclosed that while the institution currently operates with four faculties, arrangements are underway to establish three additional faculties as part of its expansion drive.
The Senate Leader noted that engagement has already begun with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, particularly in terms of structures and equipment.
He added that the institution is developing a comprehensive medical complex that will serve as a Medical Village which will include a hospital equipped with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Diagnostic Centre with MRI and CT scanning machines, an Eye Care Centre, a Dental Care Centre and a Kidney and Dialysis Centre.
According to Bamidele, these projects are designed to complement the proposed faculties and position the university as a centre of excellence in medical and environmental sciences.
He pledged to make available ₦200 million annually for the next five years to support research initiatives and academic work within the institution, describing research as the backbone of any University system.
His words, “While we celebrate, I am mindful of the work ahead. We have a permanent site that must be completed within a specified time. We currently have four faculties and plan to add three more. We have engaged with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and they have advised us to focus on putting the required structures and equipment in place for accreditation.
“At the permanent site, three additional faculty buildings are under construction. We are also constructing a hospital with an Intensive Care Unit, a Diagnostic Centre with MRI and CT scanning machines, an Eye Care Centre, a Dental Care Centre and a Kidney and Dialysis Centre. These facilities will complement the proposed faculties and form part of a Medical Village. This is why, beyond excitement, I feel a strong sense of responsibility and motivation for what lies ahead. By the grace of God, it will be achieved.
“Beyond infrastructure, university education is about research. For the next five years, I will make available the sum of ₦200 million annually to support research and the work of the academic community. Though it may be a modest contribution, it is a commitment to strengthening this institution. We will also build partnerships with government and the private sector to ensure sustainable support for the university”.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Gbenga Aribisala said the Institution started academic activities in the last one year of its establishment with 36 departments, four faculties, and 1,564 students.
The VC described FUTES as a Citadel of Learning that will be one of the leading universities globally within the first 10 years of its establishment, with a Mission aimed at contributing to the progress of humanity by transformative learning through cutting-edge teaching and research.
Professor Aribisala highlighted the objectives of the University to include: provision of world-class education in technology and environmental sciences, innovation and creativity among students, developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and promoting ethical values.
He urged the pioneer Students to be good ambassadors of the University and desist from all forms of antisocial vices such as drug abuser sexual assault, intimidation.
The Governor of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on tertiary education, Dr Azeez Mayowa hailed President Bola Tinubu for assenting the bill of the University’s establishment, noting that his continued efforts to the development of education in the country can’t be overemphasized.
He also extolled the Senate Leader for his giant strides and in making sure that the University commence academic activities within one year of its establishment, urging the Students to focus more on creativity and service to humanity rather on certifications.
The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye eulogised the Senate Leader for facilitating the project, urging the Students to uphold the tenets of good conduct and honesty.
He also advised them not to hesitate to visit his Palace in case they encounter any challenges in their academic pursuit.
