By Bamidele Eleniola
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Professor James Olugbenga Aribisala, has described the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, as a God-sent leader whose appointment has rekindled hope for the institution.
Professor Aribisala made the remark while hosting Professor Ogunwole and members of the FUOYE management team during a courtesy visit to FUTES, where he commended the new Vice-Chancellor for the progress recorded since assuming office.
According to him, FUOYE had in recent times attracted negative publicity, but the university is gradually rebuilding its image under Professor Ogunwole’s leadership.
“I congratulate you on your appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE. I also appreciate the remarkable work you are doing. The university had been in the news for the wrong reasons, but today, there is renewed confidence in its leadership.
“I recently read the comments of Bishop Ajakaye, who expressed satisfaction with the direction the university is taking. We share that optimism and pray that God will continue to strengthen you in restoring the institution to greater heights,” Aribisala said.
The Professor of Civil Engineering reiterated that the essence of a university goes beyond awarding degrees, stressing that higher institutions exist to advance research, provide quality teaching and render meaningful service to society.
“A university is not established to generate revenue. It is a community of scholars and students committed to knowledge creation, teaching and community service. These are the ideals that define a true university,” he stated.
Reflecting on the establishment of FUTES, Aribisala recounted the difficulties the institution faced during its formative stage, revealing that the university commenced operations without any financial allocation from the Federal Government.
He said despite the absence of take-off grants, the management remained focused on its vision and continued with academic activities.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that FUTES also lacked a permanent take-off site at inception, forcing the management to provide essential facilities, including generators, laptops, printers and other operational equipment, to enable the institution to function effectively.
He recalled that the Minister was surprised by the university’s ability to commence operations without government funding and sought an explanation from the institution’s leadership.
Professor Aribisala further disclosed that the university was not captured in the national budget during its first year of operation, resulting in delayed salary payments.
“Nobody received salaries throughout last year until May this year, but that did not weaken our resolve. We remained committed to our mandate. Today, we are preparing for our second-semester examinations and making plans for the next academic session,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of distinguished Nigerians whose support helped the institution overcome its early challenges, particularly the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank and other philanthropists who provided critical assistance.
Speaking on his long-term vision, Professor Aribisala said FUTES is being positioned as an ICT-driven university that will produce graduates equipped with sound character, practical skills and academic excellence.
He lamented that many graduates leave universities with certificates but without the competence and values expected of higher education, stressing that his administration is determined to reverse the trend.
The FUTES Vice-Chancellor also praised staff members from FUOYE serving at the institution, describing them as diligent professionals whose contributions have positively impacted the university.
In his remarks, Professor Ogunwole commended the FUTES management for its resilience, noting that building a new university demands exceptional sacrifice, determination and visionary leadership.
“Pioneering a university is never an easy responsibility. It requires commitment and perseverance, and not everyone is gifted to undertake such a task.
“I commend your courage and encourage you to remain steadfast because your sacrifices will certainly yield lasting results,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the investments being made today would benefit future generations of students and significantly contribute to national development.
Professor Ogunwole also observed that communities across Nigeria continue to seek the establishment of universities because education remains one of the strongest drivers of economic growth and social transformation.
According to him, the core responsibilities of every university remain research, teaching and community development, all of which are vital to national progress.
The FUOYE Vice-Chancellor thanked the management of FUTES for the warm reception accorded his delegation and expressed optimism that the visit would deepen collaboration between the two institutions.
“It is a pleasure to be here. We sincerely appreciate your hospitality and the cordial relationship between our universities. We do not take this warm reception for granted,” he said.
The FUOYE delegation included the Deputy Vice Chancellor,( Administration), Prof Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Babatunde Joshua Omotosho; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (SPRIL), Professor Babatunde Afolabi; the Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Adesina Ibrahim; the University Librarian, Dr. Olabode Olajide; Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mrs. Oyeyemika Koyejo-Fasakin; Director of JUPEB, Professor Dosu Malomo; Director of Career Services, Professor Adebola A. Aderibigbe; Director of Pre-Degree Programmes, Professor Sakiru Olaide Hammed; Director of External Degrees Programme, Prof A.A. Adekunle, Director of the Institute of Part-Time Studies, Professor Wakili Adelani Tijani; Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Dr Sunday Saanu; Chief Security Officer, Captain Raymond Bitanis (Rtd.); Protocol Officer, Mr Abiodun Oloniniyi, and other members of staff.
Photo credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
