The Vice-Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has dismissed claims that the institution has commenced staff recruitment.
Aribisala, who said the university had not yet accessed funds or secured all necessary approvals, stressed that no recruitment, academic or non-academic, could take place until the National Universities Commission approved its courses of study.
He spoke at Ikoyi Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, on Sunday during a reception organised by 26 communities in the council to celebrate his appointment as the pioneer vice-chancellor of the new university.
Aribisala said, “Our people need to be patient. There is no way the university can recruit without the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. At present, we have not accessed funds, nor have we recruited staff.
“This is a federal university, and we will follow the principles of federal character. We will embrace excellence to bring about the needed brain that will train and secure a good future for society, especially the next generation. But as of today, recruitment has not started,” Aribisala said.
The VC, however, disclosed that adverts for job applications would be rolled out before the end of September, urging interested graduates and the host communities to be patient.
He emphasised that both academic and non-academic activities would begin immediately the National Universities Commission approved the necessary courses of study.
When recruitment is done, he assured that only experienced staff are recruited in line with the university’s vision to rank among the best in the world.
“Only experienced hands would be first absorbed because we are relying on those who have something to offer for the university to rank among the best in the world within the shortest period, we have relevant experiences for meaningful take off, so there is no need to panic, the university would be recruiting yearly,” he said.
Aribisala added that recruitment would be a yearly exercise, assuring that opportunities would gradually expand as the institution stabilises.
The VC also appealed to private organisations and well-meaning individuals to invest in the development of the new federal university, saying the institution was positioned to benefit everyone once funding streams were fully activated.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing FUTES and appointing him pioneer VC, while also acknowledging the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Aribisala thanked the 26 host communities for their solidarity, promising to work closely with traditional rulers and local stakeholders to ensure the success of the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Obaloke of Igbona Ekiti, Oba Johnson Oladele, praised Aribisala as a pride of the local government and urged him to sustain his reputation through transparency.
The monarch also called for unity among the 26 communities, urging them to put aside selfish interests and support credible leaders.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Mr. Bayo Omojola, described the VC as a pride of the council area, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver meaningful academic development that would benefit the people.
