TETFund Commends FPI Management, Says President Tinubu Deserves Second Term (+photos)

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has applauded the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro – recently upgraded to the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI) – for its judicious and impactful use of TETFund allocations in the development of the institution.

Leading the delegation on an inspection tour of the university on Friday, July 18, 2025, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees on Projects, Rt. Hon. Sunday Adepoju, expressed satisfaction with the quality and visibility of the projects executed with TETFund support.

Accompanied by the TETFund South-West Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Taiwo Adedeji, Rt. Hon. Adepoju said the visit was aimed at assessing whether the institution had achieved value for money from the allocations received over the past year.

“I am delighted to be in this studio (PolyTV) and to witness the impressive development driven by TETFund intervention. I have toured the campus and seen iconic, well-executed projects that reflect prudent use of resources,” Adepoju said.

He singled out the Department of Art and Design, noting that its uniqueness and setup were unlike anything he had seen in the country.

“It’s evident that the leadership of the institution has thought deeply and strategically. As a financial expert, I understand the need to expand internally generated revenue, and the creation of a Printing Department is a creative solution. It will serve the school and the larger public. I am truly impressed.”

Adepoju also praised the institution for producing graduates who continue to excel in their respective fields, stating, “Federal Polytechnic Ilaro is not new to me. Your graduates are everywhere, and they are making significant impacts.”

Rt. Hon. Adepoju commended the leadership of Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, Rector of FUTI, for steering the institution towards excellence and making TETFund proud to be associated with the school.

“If I could record a video of what I’ve seen here and show it to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and to the Minister of Education, Dr. Moruf Tunji Alausa, they would both be proud. And if I’m impressed, then certainly the Board of Trustees will be too.”

He further acknowledged the efforts of Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Katsina State, as well as the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, for their dedication to improving tertiary education across the country.

Highlighting the significant investments made by the current administration in education, infrastructure, and youth development, Rt. Hon. Adepoju stated, “Despite ongoing challenges, President Tinubu has shown exceptional commitment to the education sector. He understands that the future of any nation lies in its youth, and he is backing this belief with funding, policy direction, and political will.”

He called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu for a second term, stating that his transformative agenda deserves continuity.

“I was not sent on a campaign mission, but based on what I’ve seen and the momentum already built, it’s clear that for this positive change to be sustained, President Tinubu must be given a second term. He’s restructuring the very fabric of this nation.”

Adepoju also applauded Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), representing Ogun West Senatorial District, for his relentless efforts in facilitating the upgrade of the polytechnic to a full-fledged university.

“I congratulate everyone here for the transformation of this great institution. We must appreciate Senator Adeola for sponsoring the bill and President Tinubu for signing it into law. This is a game changer.”

In his remarks, Dr. Mikail Aremu Akinde, FCA, FCTI, Rector of FUTI, thanked the TETFund delegation for their visit and kind words.

“We deeply appreciate TETFund’s support and the trust you’ve placed in us. We are committed to sustaining excellence and accountability,” he said.

He concluded by appealing for additional funding to address other critical areas of the institution’s growth and expansion, stressing FUTI’s vision to remain a leading force in technical and technological education in Nigeria.