The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has pledged a ₦1bn research grant to the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, as the institution matriculated 1,563 pioneer students.
Bamidele said the donation, which will be disbursed at ₦200m annually for five years, aims to support cutting-edge research and position the university as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.
The lawmaker made the pledge during the maiden matriculation ceremony of the university, describing research as the backbone of any world-class institution and a critical driver of national development.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the enabling bill that established the university into law in February 2025, noting that the institution would play a strategic role in enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, said the university had secured approval for 36 academic programmes across four faculties from the National Universities Commission within its first year.
Aribisala described Bamidele’s support as instrumental to the smooth take-off of the university, noting that the senator provided take-off grants and vehicles to aid administrative and academic operations.
He said the institution was envisioned as a residential and ICT-compliant university that would produce graduates equipped to create jobs rather than seek employment.
“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 said.
He added that the institution had zero tolerance for drug abuse, sexual harassment, and cultism, stressing that relevant committees had been set up to address misconduct.
Aribisala appealed for support from individuals and corporate organisations, citing the need for laboratories, workshop equipment, buses, a modern library complex, faculty buildings, and hostel accommodation to accelerate infrastructural development.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Mayowa Azeez, congratulated the pioneer students and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting higher education in Ekiti.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to advancing university education by providing an enabling environment and sustained support for higher institutions within the state.
The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, expressed delight over the smooth take-off of the university and singled out Senator Bamidele for his pivotal role in its establishment.
The monarch pledged the full support of the host community to the university and its students, assuring the management and students of a conducive atmosphere for academic excellence.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
