- President Tinubu appointed Senator Binta Garba as Pro-Chancellor for the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti
- The new university's leadership includes experienced figures like Prof. James Aribisala as Vice-Chancellor and Mr. Oluwole Dada as Registrar
- The Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences is set to welcome its first students in September 2025, marking a significant milestone for higher education in Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the appointment of key officials for the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President confirmed the appointments of the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council members, and Principal Officers of the university, marking a significant step in the development of the institution.
Senator Binta Garba, a seasoned politician, businesswoman, and administrator, has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council. Garba, who served as the representative for the Adamawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2015 to 2019, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
She was also a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011.
The newly formed Governing Council will also include Prof. Joseph Sanya, Mr. Efe Emmanuel, Dr. Joyce Ogunyemi, and Dahiru Ruma, all of whom were selected for their leadership capabilities and commitment to advancing academic excellence.
In addition to the Governing Council, President Tinubu has appointed the Principal Officers for the university. Prof. James Aribisala will serve as the Vice-Chancellor, with Mr. Oluwole Dada appointed as the Registrar. Mrs. Adeniyi Ajayi will take on the role of Bursar, and Prof. Isaac Busayo has been named as the university's Librarian.
In his statement, the President acknowledged the role of Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in advocating for the establishment of the university in Iyin Ekiti.
Tinubu praised Bamidele's efforts in championing the cause, highlighting the significance of the institution for the region and the country.
The President urged the appointed officials to draw upon their extensive experience in leadership, administration, and academia to steer the university towards achieving academic excellence, pioneering research, and sustainable development.
The new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences is set to welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025.
The establishment of this institution marks a pivotal moment in the expansion of higher education in Nigeria, with a focus on technological advancement and environmental sciences.
In a related development, President Tinubu also announced the appointment of Prof. Muhammed Audu as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board for the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State.
Audu succeeds Ohieku Salami in the role. A distinguished academic and administrator, Prof. Audu has a long history in Nigeria’s university system.
He is currently a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Jos and previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he led significant academic and infrastructural reforms.
Tinubu gives Bishop Kukah appointment at federal university
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the newly renamed Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, in Kaduna State.
The announcement came in a statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed the appointment on Monday, March 17.