Ekiti Varsity Head Lauds NELFUND as Game-Changer for Nigerian Tertiary Education

Professor Gbenga Aribisala, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, has lauded the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an unparalleled advancement for university education across Nigeria. Speaking in Iyin Ekiti, Prof. Aribisala revealed that numerous students at his recently established institution are already accessing benefits from the NELFUND scheme, for which he specifically praised President Bola Tinubu's foresight.

During the university's inaugural press briefing on Monday in Iyin Ekiti, the Vice Chancellor outlined the institution's progress and appealed to private citizens and corporate bodies for backing to supplement government endeavors in the university's growth. He also acknowledged President Tinubu for establishing the university in 2025, noting its unique position as “first of its kind in Nigeria” designed to bolster high-level manpower development within the nation's technology and environmental science sectors.

Prof. Aribisala emphasized that NELFUND has significantly expanded access to quality tertiary education for many Nigerians since its launch. He reiterated, “A good number of our students are already benefiting from the NELFUND. The President is highly commended for this great initiative.”

The Vice Chancellor detailed that the university commenced its academic session in January 2026 with an initial intake of 1,564 students. Currently, it operates with 35 departments spread across four faculties: Natural and Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Computing and Information Technology, and Environmental Sciences. Furthermore, Aribisala announced forthcoming expansions, stating, “Plans are underway to begin Anatomy, Physiology, Nursing and Medicine in no too distant time. There is also plan to add Artificial Intelligence, Telecommunication Science, and Tourism and Hospitality Management.” He also confirmed that the development of the institution's permanent campus is progressing.

Citing the institution's impressive advancements, Prof. Aribisala disclosed that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has elevated the university's admission capacity to 3,300. He further assured that the university administration has put rigorous policies in place to ensure student admissions are strictly merit-based.

Extending gratitude, Aribisala praised Senate President Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaye, for their contributions to the university. He issued a heartfelt appeal, urging “all public-spirited people and organisations to come to our Macedonia and help us in the provision of facilities for learning and research. Those interested in public private partnership are also welcome.”

The Vice Chancellor highlighted that the initial grant for the university, which commenced operations at the designated site of the Government Science College, Iyin Ekiti, significantly propelled its swift development within a single year. This funding facilitated the “provision of laboratory equipment, office and classroom furniture, solar power installation and the ongoing 250-capacity ICT building.”

Among other infrastructure advancements, Prof. Aribisala enumerated the completion of student hostels at the temporary campus, continuous construction of hostels at the permanent site, and ongoing interventions from TETFund covering hostel provisions, office furnishings, lecture theatres, as well as laboratory and workshop equipment.

Emphasizing his commitment to establishing a robust foundation for a leading 21st-century global university, Aribisala underscored the institution's dedication to research, academic distinction, adequate accommodation, and fostering an environment conducive for students to “fulfil their aspirations and develop game-changing solutions for the development of the country.”

The Vice Chancellor articulated his ambitious vision for the institution, stating, “It was part of my vision to make it residential. I am not joking with the residential vision, not only for now but for the future of the university to inculcate culture into the students. I envisioned is a university that is residential and ICT compliant. A university that will produce quality graduates that will create jobs. A university that will attract research stars that are globally visible and carry out cutting edge research. A university that will contribute to the socio-development of the immediate community. A university that will be one of the leading universities globally within the first 10 years of its establishment.”

Aribisala confirmed the university’s priority on maintaining a consistent academic calendar to ensure students complete their studies promptly. He proudly announced, “I am happy to inform you that the university completed the first academic session (2025/2026) this month (August), while the 2026/2027 academic session will begin on October 12, 2026.”

Reaffirming his dedication to staff well-being, he added that “the university is up-to-date in the new salaries as agreed between the Federal Government and the different unions.” The Vice Chancellor concluded by stating that the institution had also prioritized research for a