It was a gathering of academics, friends, and associates as the Committee of Younger Brothers rolled out the drums to celebrate the appointment of Professor Gbenga Aribisala as the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti.
The well-attended ceremony featured special praise and thanksgiving to God, during which the celebrant’s mother, Madam Filicial Aribisala, joyfully danced in appreciation of God’s grace upon her son’s elevation.
Political leaders, traditional rulers, business men, political leaders, and religious figures seized the occasion to pray for Professor Aribisala’s success in his new role.
In his address, Professor Aribisala reaffirmed his commitment to making FUTES an ICT-driven institution that would equip students to compete favorably with their counterparts globally.
He stated this in Ado Ekiti during a reception organized in his honour by the Committee of Four Younger Brothers.
He emphasized that this vision is part of broader efforts to place Ekiti State on the global map and ensure Nigeria ranks among the best in the world in terms of technology and 21st-century education.
“What FUTES is trying to do is to build a 21st-century university, where we will convert waste to wealth by generating electricity,” he said.
Professor Aribisala added that the university is poised to contribute to national development through electricity generation, manpower development, and the production of quality graduates who will become job creators rather than job seekers.
“We have already started. As a pioneer vice chancellor, one has to build from scratch. Thankfully, we are enjoying the full backing of the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education, and all the education parastatals,” he noted.
The FUTES Vice Chancellor disclosed that the institution would leverage on the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to make learning attractive, provide a conducive academic environment for both staff and students, and instill discipline.
He highlighted that the federal government’s involvement in providing accommodation and renewable energy solutions has already begun to transform the education landscape.
Speaking on staffing, Professor Aribisala emphasized that the university would recruit based strictly on merit, prioritizing highly qualified professors who have excelled in research and met international standards.
“Employment into the university will be on merit, by the grace of God. We will advertise in national dailies, on the university’s website, and across online platforms to attract applicants from all over the country,” he said.
He added, “Applicants must be proficient in computer usage because we aim to bring only the best into the university.”
Professor Aribisala stressed that FUTES would not be a retirement home for unmotivated staff or a place where lecturers intimidate students.
“We want a campus where mutual respect, courtesy, and a friendly environment prevail, from the gate to the offices. We won’t tolerate any situation where a lecturer tells students they will fail. That’s not acceptable,” he declared.
He also noted that the welfare of staff and students would be a top priority in the quest for academic excellence.
“If you consider my background, I was the best lecturer in the Department of Engineering at the University of Benin in 2006/2007, and the university Senate awarded me a commendation letter. At Ekiti State University, I was also adjudged the best lecturer. These achievements reflect my student-friendly approach,” he remarked.
Also speaking at the well-attended event, which featured academics, captains of industry, political leaders, and traditional rulers, former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni, described Professor Aribisala as a man who consistently seizes opportunities to deliver excellence.
Chief Oni urged the VC to take full advantage of his unique opportunity and align his dream with the current realities in the education sector.
The Pioneer Provost of the College of Medicine, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), and member of the FUTES Governing Council, Professor Rotimi Sanya, expressed confidence in Professor Aribisala’s leadership, noting that his wealth of experience would greatly benefit the university’s administration and human resource management.
Similarly, the Onikoyi of Ikoyi Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area, Oba Moses Akinwande Ogundana, described Professor Aribisala as a personification of humanity who works with vigor to promote excellence.
In her goodwill message, Senior Pastor of the Chapel of His Glory, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Salami, described the FUTES Vice Chancellor as a God-fearing, faithful, and development-driven individual committed to the well-being of others.
In an interview, the Coordinator of the Committee of Four Younger Brothers, Mr. Olumide Kumolalo, explained that the reception was organized to recognize and celebrate Professor Aribisala’s contributions to academic excellence and society at large.
Other committee members include, Morakinyo Ogunmodimu, Olusegun Adewumi and James Akosilee.
The reception drew dignitaries from the academic world, including, the Pioneer Provost College of Medicine Afe Babalola University ABUAD and Member Governing Council of the university, Professor Romiti Sanya, FUTES Bursar Mrs Rachael Ajayi, Acting Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye Ekiti FUOYE, Professor Shittu, Vice Chancellor, Elizade University, Ilaramokin, Vice Chancellor, VELITE University, Professor Olaogun, Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Professor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Wole Adebayo, Deans and Senior Lecturers from various universities.
