Senate Leader Pledges N200m Annual Research Fund for New Federal University

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has committed to providing N200 million annually for the next five years to support research and academic development at the newly established Federal University of Technology, Environment and Sciences (FUTES) in Iyin Ekiti.

Bamidele made the pledge on Friday during the maiden matriculation ceremony of the university, where 1,564 pioneer students were formally admitted into the institution.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, the Senate Leader expressed confidence that a solid foundation had been laid for the university, which he described as “a centre for innovation, sustainability and viability.”

“I feel a strong sense of responsibility and motivation for what lies ahead. By the grace of God, it will be achieved,” Bamidele said.

He elaborated on the vision for the institution, stating, “Beyond infrastructure, university education is about research. For the next five years, I will make available the sum of N200m annually to support research and the work of the academic community.”

The lawmaker acknowledged that while the contribution may be modest relative to the institution’s needs, it represents a firm commitment to strengthening the university. He also pledged to build partnerships with government and the private sector to ensure sustainable support.

Bamidele expressed appreciation to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for releasing the site where the university has taken off. He also thanked the Iyin community, religious leaders, the Governing Council Chairman, Senator Binta Garba, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, for what he termed their inspiring and determined leadership.

Special recognition was given to the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, who Bamidele noted not only agreed to serve pro bono as a member of the Governing Council but also contributed to the seed funding that enabled the university to commence operations.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gbenga Aribisala outlined the institution’s mission to “contribute to the progress of humanity by transformative learning through cutting-edge teaching and research.”

He commended the pioneer students for their conduct so far but issued a strong warning against social vices.

“I like to inform you that the university will not tolerate any form of indiscipline or misconduct. For anyone to earn a degree from this university, the person should be fit in character and learning,” Aribisala stated.

He emphasized the university’s zero-tolerance policy for drug abuse, sexual abuse involving staff and students, and membership in secret cults, revealing that relevant committees had been constituted to address misconduct.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed hope that all matriculating students would be present at the first convocation ceremony.

Aribisala called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the university through donations and public-private partnerships, highlighting critical needs including laboratory and workshop equipment, buses, a modern library complex, faculty buildings, and hostel accommodation.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the university, and acknowledged the Senate Leader for providing seed money, donating vehicles for take-off, and facilitating buildings and internal roads.

The VC also thanked the Governing Council Chairman for creating a conducive atmosphere for development, the Premium Trust Bank MD for funding that enabled the establishment of laboratories and library facilities, and legal luminary Chief Wole Olanipekun for his financial donation.

The matriculation ceremony attracted prominent personalities including Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez; former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; and Senator Binta Garba.

Traditional rulers present included the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye; and the Olosi of Osi Ekiti, Oba Steve Alabi.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, was also in attendance.

President Bola Tinubu had on February 20, 2025, assented to two separate bills establishing FUTES, Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.

According to a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the specialised institutions are designed to address educational needs while driving research and innovation to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.

The institutions are expected to serve as training grounds for developing professionals in agriculture, science, and technology sectors.