Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has pledged N1 billion over the next five years to support research at the Federal University of Technology, Environment and Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, reaffirming his commitment to building the institution into a world-class centre for innovation and sustainability.
Bamidele made the pledge on Friday in Iyin Ekiti during the maiden matriculation ceremony of 1,564 pioneer students of the university, expressing optimism that a solid foundation had been laid for the institution’s rapid growth.
“I feel a strong sense of responsibility and motivation for what lies ahead. By the grace of God, it will be achieved,” he said.
“Beyond infrastructure, university education is about research. For the next five years, I will make available the sum of N200 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 the government and the private sector to ensure sustainable support for the university.”
The Senate Leader highlighted ongoing infrastructural development at the institution’s permanent site and commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for releasing the take-off site for the university.
“I appreciate this wonderful community and our religious leaders. I thank the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Binta Garba, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, for their inspiring and determined leadership. We are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Bamidele also praised the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, for his contributions to the university’s take-off.
“He not only agreed to serve pro bono as a member of the Governing Council of the university, but he was also part of those who provided the seed money with which the university commenced,” Bamidele noted.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aribisala, said the university was established “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 warned 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,” he said.
“The university has zero tolerance for drug abuse, sexual abuse — both staff and students — and membership of secret cults. The Senate of the university has constituted relevant committees to deal with all manners of misconduct. My prayer is that you will all be present at the first convocation ceremony.”
Aribisala appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support the university through donations and public-private partnerships.
“We need laboratories and workshop equipment, buses, a modern library complex, faculty buildings, hostel accommodation and financial support,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the university and commended Bamidele for providing seed funding, donating vehicles, and facilitating buildings and internal roads.
He also acknowledged financial donations from legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun, and appreciated the support of the host community, including the Oluyin of Iyin Kingdom.
Dignitaries at the event included former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Governor Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez; Senator Garba; and Governing Council member, Prof. Rotimi Sanya.
Traditional rulers in attendance were the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the 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.
Also present was the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Joseph Ayodele.
The matriculation ceremony marked a significant milestone for the new federal institution, which stakeholders described as a strategic investment in technological advancement and sustainable development.
