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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Management of the newly assented Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), formerly the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (FPI), under the leadership of Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde FCA, FCTI, has commended His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritizes education as a driver of national development.
This was disclosed during a media briefing held in Dr. Akinde’s office on Thursday, May 21, 2025. The briefing followed the announcement by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday, May 29, 2025, regarding President Tinubu’s assent to the bill upgrading FPI to FUTI.
Dr. Akinde highlighted that the President’s approval of a brand-new University of Technology would significantly enhance innovation and drives the development of Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large, especially in economic and human capacity development.
According to Dr. Akinde, the upgrade has brought immeasurable joy to critical stakeholders, including the host community, the institution’s community, students, alumni, and both teaching and non-teaching staff.
Dr. Akinde stated, “On behalf of the Governing Council, the Management, students, staff, and Alumni, I respectfully, humbly, and lavishly thank our amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, our most distinguished Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator (Dr.) Aremo Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) FCA, FCTI, FPPI, CON, and our revered Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba (Dr.) ESV Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, who also serves as Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas, for the roles they played in making this upgrade a reality.”
Dr. Akinde further described Senator Adeola as a phenomenal diplomat who has contributed immensely to the growth of the Polytechnic. He emphasized the Senator’s commitment and active support over the years.
Highlighting the administration’s support for education, the Rector pointed to the 2025 national budget. “President Tinubu’s education policy has shown clear support for the sector. The 2025 budget is one of the best in years. For instance, FPI’s capital allocation rose by over 90% this year. This is remarkably exceptional”, he noted.
Dr. Akinde addressed concerns from students regarding degree certifications. He explained that although FUTI has been legally established, current students must complete their programmes based on the ND and HND qualifications for which they were admitted.
He said, “The students have been asking if they can obtain B.Tech certificates. My response is that while the bill has been signed, they must complete the programmes they began. Afterward, they may pursue a conversion programme to obtain a B.Tech from FUTI.”
The Rector reassured the parents of the 21,112 enrolled students that their wards are in capable hands and will graduate on schedule. He described the transition as a historic and momentous occasion that will redefine the institution’s legacy since its founding in 1979.
Dr. Akinde affirmed that the institution would strictly follow the Federal Government’s processes for transitioning to a university. “Let us not be in haste. Let us await and follow through with the complete process”, he urged.
He expressed confidence in the new university’s potential to build on the Polytechnic’s academic legacy. With a campus spread over 898 hectares, a strong infrastructure base, experienced faculty including over 80 Ph.D. holders, and a dedicated non-teaching staff, FUTI is set for excellence.
Dr. Akinde praised Senator Adeola as a unique and unmatched representative of Ogun West. “He is simply the best. God has blessed Ogun West with an invaluable asset in him”, he declared.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Akinde once again extended heartfelt thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Senator Solomon Adeola, Oba Dr. Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle and other members of the National Assembly for their exceptional roles in this significant achievement.
