Senate Leader pledges N1bn research fund for FUTES lecturers

The Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Opeyemi Bamidele, has pledged a N1 billion research fund for lecturers of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti.

Bamidele made the commitment at the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony held at the weekend, where 1,564 pioneer students were formally admitted into the 2025/2026 academic session.

He explained that the N1 billion intervention would be disbursed in yearly instalments of N200 million over a five-year period to strengthen research and academic development within the institution.

In addition, the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District donated over N31 million to support students, with each of the matriculating students receiving N20,000 alongside food items.

Expansion plans

In his goodwill message, Bamidele outlined plans to expand the university’s academic and research capacity. He disclosed that although FUTES currently runs four faculties, arrangements are in place to establish three additional faculties as part of its growth drive.

According to him, engagement has commenced with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, particularly in providing the necessary infrastructure and equipment.

He added that construction is ongoing at the university’s permanent site, including three new faculty buildings and a comprehensive medical complex designed as a “Medical Village.” The proposed facility will house a hospital with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a diagnostic centre equipped with MRI and CT scan machines, an eye care centre, a dental care centre, and a kidney and dialysis centre.

“Beyond infrastructure, university education is about research. For the next five years, I will make available N200 million annually to support research and the work of the academic community. Though it may be modest, it is a commitment to strengthening this institution. We will also build partnerships with government and the private sector to ensure sustainable support,” he said.

VC highlights vision

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, said the university commenced academic activities within one year of its establishment, with 36 departments spread across four faculties and a total enrolment of 1,564 students.

He described FUTES as a citadel of learning positioned to rank among leading universities globally within its first decade. He noted that the institution’s mission is to advance humanity through transformative learning anchored on cutting-edge teaching and research.

Aribisala listed the university’s objectives to include delivering world-class education in technology and environmental sciences, promoting innovation and creativity, developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, and instilling ethical values in students.

He urged the pioneer students to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution and warned against antisocial behaviours such as drug abuse, sexual assault and intimidation, stressing that discipline and character would be as important as academic excellence.

Government commendation

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Dr Azeez Mayowa, commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the university.

He also praised Bamidele for his efforts in ensuring that the institution commenced academic activities within a year of its establishment and encouraged students to prioritise creativity and service to humanity over mere certification.