Historic Transition: Dr. Akinde Hails Tinubu, Senator Adeola Yayi, Others As FPI Becomes Federal University Of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI)

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED 

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – In a bid to appreciate every soul who participated in the transformation of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (FPI) into the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), the pioneer Acting Vice Chancellor of FUTI, Dr. Akinde M.A., FCA, FCTI, ACS, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for turning a long-cherished dream into reality.

According to a statement e-signed and made available online by Dr. Akinde, and obtained by StarTrend Int’l Magazine and its online platform, the FUTI Acting Vice Chancellor declared:
“As a matter of truth, all events become history, but not all events are historical.

“The transition of the highly sought-after Federal Polytechnic Ilaro (FPI) to the Federal University of Technology Ilaro (FUTI) is undeniably historical. It marks the end of one defining era and the beginning of another in the academic and developmental journey of Ilaro-Yewa and Ogun State at large.”

Speaking on behalf of the Council, Principal Officers, Management, staff, students, and the Students’ Union leadership of the institution – now FUTI – Dr. Akinde humbly “doffed his cap” in deep appreciation to President Tinubu for assenting to the bill that formalized the conversion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dr. Akinde described the transformative idea as one courageously midwifed by Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the Aremo of Ilaro-Yewa and Okanlomo of Yewaland, noting that his passion and commitment to the educational advancement of Ogun West remain unparalleled.

In his words: “Few dig the well from which a community drinks. In our context, those few include His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who assented to the bill; Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, our tireless advocate and champion of the cause and His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas.”

He also acknowledged the invaluable roles played by Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, including Hon. Isiaq Akinlade and Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI); former Rectors Arc. Aluko, PhD, and Dr. Oloyo (of blessed memory); as well as members of both the first and second transition Committees.

Dr. Akinde further extended appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Education, Morufu Olatunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad; the Ministerial Team led by Dr. Usman Ejeh; officials of the Federal Ministry of Education; the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE); and other regulatory representatives who played pivotal roles in the process.

He did not forget the Polytechnic Community – “To the Council, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, unions, students, NHIS staff, porters, outsourced security personnel, cleaners, gardeners—and every member of the Polytechnic Community – we are not ungrateful.

“Special gratitude was also reserved for former Rector and trailblazer, Olusegun Olanrewaju Aluko, whose collaboration and unwavering commitment helped set the initiative in motion.”

With the transition now sealed, Dr. Akinde explained that the institution will no longer operate under the traditional polytechnic structure of Rector, Deputy Rectors, Registrar, Librarian, and Bursar. Instead, a new university governance framework has emerged, introducing the offices of Acting Vice Chancellor, Registrar, University Librarian, University Bursar, and, by God’s grace, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellors – laying what he described as the golden foundation of FUTI.

Going down memory lane, Dr. Akinde disclosed that he was privileged to serve as a key member of the original Committee that initiated the transformation process.

Other notable members, he said included Dr. Oluseye Babatunde Abiodun (now Rector, OGITEC Igbessa), Barr. Ogunseye T.O., PhD; Dr. Jumoke Soyemi; Dr. Olapeju; Dr. Ademola; Mr. Odufuye; Mr. Ibrahim Popoola; with Mr. Olusola Ojo serving as Secretary.

The Committee was mandated to prepare a comprehensive Memorandum justifying the availability of human resources, infrastructure, equipment, and expansive land resources required for the establishment of FUTI.

The first memorandum was presented by Dr. Raheem Adisa Oloyo on April 22, 2021. Although the bill was passed by the National Assembly at the time, it was not assented to by the then President – a moment Dr. Akinde described as a true test of their resolve.

Hope was rekindled on Thursday, July 13, 2024, shortly after landing at MM1 in Ikeja, Lagos, when Senator Adeola, through Chief Odunaro, requested Dr. Akinde’s immediate return to Abuja to represent the bill at Room 231, New Senate Building, National Assembly Complex, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

With limited time and a daunting task ahead, Dr. Akinde quickly mobilized members of the original Committee. Between July 14 and 16, 2024, the team worked tirelessly to upgrade earlier reports within an incredibly short timeframe.

The Alumni President, Mr. Ademola Tade, and the Students’ Union President, Mr. Femi Macaulay, joined the delegation in Abuja to lend support during the presentation. At the Senate, Senator Adeola warmly received the team. Unexpectedly, he insisted that Dr. Akinde present the report as Rector – despite the original plan for the Deputy Rector (Administration) to do so.

“Like the Boy Scouts’ motto, ‘Be Prepared,’ academics and non-teaching staff alike must always be ready to serve without fear or hesitation.”

Despite the short notice, Dr. Akinde conducted what he described as a “helicopter review” of the comprehensive report, earning admiration from the Senator, members of the Senate Committee, the press, and stakeholders present at the Public Hearing.

“The seed sown during those intense days of preparation germinated into the FUTI we celebrate today. Eureka!”, he exclaimed.

With meticulous planning through structured flowcharts and Gantt charts, Dr. Akinde affirmed that FUTI is prepared for a seamless take-off.

He pledged peaceful collaboration with unions and institutional organs to build a stable and forward-looking university system.

Under his leadership, in collaboration with the Council and key stakeholders, FUTI will harmonize practical knowledge with theory, foster innovation, support industrialization, and align with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He concluded with prayers and patriotic blessings – “May Allah reward all who stood by this vision.
God bless FUTI.
God bless Ogun State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”