The Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti (FUTES-IYIN), has intensified efforts to strengthen its research capacity and security architecture with the training of academic staff on strategic grant writing and the professional development of its security personnel on contemporary safety practices.

The separate but simultaneous programmes, organised by the University's Centre for Research Development and Innovation (CeRDI) and the Security Unit, respectively, formed part of the management's deliberate strategy to equip members of staff with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to drive innovation, attract competitive research funding and sustain a safe academic environment.

Addressing participants at the workshop, tagged "Strategic Grant Writing and Interdisciplinary Collaboration for High-Impact Funding," the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, said research remains the defining feature of every world-class university, stressing that institutions that fail to invest in research risk becoming irrelevant in an increasingly knowledge-driven world.

According to him, quality research cannot thrive without adequate funding, describing research grants as one of the most sustainable sources of funding available to universities.

"You can't do good research without money. Research grants provide a reliable funding window for universities. Any university that is serious about solving problems, driving innovation and contributing meaningfully to national development must deliberately position its researchers to attract competitive grants," he said.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that all proposals recently submitted by the University to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) were approved, a development he attributed to the institution's commitment to quality, teamwork and adherence to best practices.

He expressed optimism that the workshop would expose participants to practical strategies for developing fundable research proposals, building interdisciplinary collaborations and improving their competitiveness for both local and international research grants.

"Universities that do not prioritise research merely exist to award certificates. Research is what gives life to teaching, drives innovation, solves societal problems and earns institutions global recognition," Aribisala added.

He explained that the simultaneous organisation of the grant writing workshop and the security training reflected the University's determination to build a workforce that is intellectually productive and professionally competent.

According to him, the management will continue to invest in staff development through regular training and retraining programmes aimed at improving service delivery across all units of the institution.

"For a technology and environmental sciences university like ours, research is not an option; it is our identity. We will continue to provide the support our academics need to compete favourably for research funding while also equipping every cadre of staff with the skills required to perform optimally," he said.

Meanwhile, earlier in her welcome address, the CeRDI Director, Professor Folasade Isinkaye, noted that as research funding becomes increasingly competitive globally, researchers must deliberately position themselves to secure high-impact grants through strategic planning, compelling proposal writing, effective team building and cross-disciplinary partnerships. 

Professor Isinkaye explained that beyond coordinating research activities, CeRDI is committed to creating an environment where research, innovation and collaboration flourish through regular capacity-building programmes designed to enhance the University's research profile and global visibility. 

Also addressing the University's security personnel at their training venue, the Vice-Chancellor urged them to embrace professionalism, discipline, vigilance and integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that a peaceful and secure campus remains indispensable to effective teaching, learning and research.

He commended Goshen Security Services Limited, led by Capt. Augustine Ajayi (Rtd.), for partnering with the University to strengthen its security architecture through capacity building and professional training.

While the workshop featured intensive technical sessions facilitated by renowned scholars and researchers, including Professor Emmanuel Akintayo, Professor Olakunle Salawu, Professor Bolanle Ojokoh, and Dr. Olukorede Adenuga, the security training offered participants practical knowledge on intelligence gathering, emergency response, campus surveillance, access control, modern safety practices and proactive security management as part of the University's broader commitment to maintaining a secure environment that supports academic excellence, research productivity and institutional growth.