…𝑺𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝑹𝒖𝒏 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒏-𝑫𝒐𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has reaffirmed the University Management’s commitment to prioritising students’ welfare and institutional harmony through sustained engagement and an open-door leadership policy.

Speaking during a Special Interface Session with Class Governors across all departments of the University, Prof. Aribisala declared that the interests of students would remain central to the University’s developmental drive.

“In this University, your interest is my priority. We will continue to run an open-door policy. When communication is open, progress becomes easier and misunderstanding is reduced,” the Vice-Chancellor told the student representatives.

Prof. Aribisala noted that in many Nigerian universities, unrest often stems not from a single incident but from prolonged neglect, insufficient engagement and communication gaps between management and students. 

According to him, effective dialogue remains the strongest instrument for preventing avoidable crises.

“No matter the effort of any university management, if those efforts are not properly communicated, they may be misinterpreted or unnoticed. We are deliberate about closing that gap from the beginning,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that FUTES, though a newly established institution, would not wait for challenges to arise before strengthening communication channels.

Recall that academic activities at the University commenced in January, with structured lectures, laboratory practicals and administrative processes progressing steadily. 

However, less than two months into the academic session, the Management convened the interface to deepen student-management engagement and reinforce mutual understanding.

The session, facilitated by the Dean of Students, Prof. Olu Omotosho, aligns with the Vice-Chancellor’s participatory governance model designed to ensure that students are not only informed but actively involved in institutional growth.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Omotosho described the interface as a strategic step toward building trust and fostering responsible student leadership.

“We are creating a culture where students can speak freely and constructively. Engagement prevents tension, builds confidence and strengthens the bond between leadership and the student body,” he said.

During the interactive session, Class Governors commended the Vice-Chancellor for his hands-on leadership style and visible commitment to welfare initiatives, including the subsidised transportation system, hostel accommodation arrangements, enhanced campus security and the provision of a conducive learning environment for both students and staff.

The student representatives also presented their concerns, which the Management addressed with clarifications and assurances of timely action where necessary.

Prof. Aribisala reiterated that as a university in its formative stage, FUTES is intentionally embedding transparency, accountability and accessibility into its governance framework.

“We are building this institution on the foundation of discipline, dialogue and development. Growth must go hand in hand with welfare and academic excellence,” he stated.

The meeting was attended by other Principal Officers of the University, including the Registrar, Mr. Oluwole Dada; the Bursar, Mrs. Rachael Ajayi; the University Librarian, Prof. Isaac Oluwadare Busayo; as well as all Deans of Faculties.