…𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕s 𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒂 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓’𝒔 70𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒆

The National Leadership of the Ifaki Grammar School Old Students Association has showered encomiums on the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, describing him as “a great asset and pride” to the institution, the community, and the nation at large.

The President of the Association, Mr. Kunle Olofintuyi, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor on Tuesday at the university, where he commended Aribisala’s exemplary leadership and remarkable contributions to both the alma mater and the newly established university.

“You are a great asset, a pride to Ifaki Grammar School and to all of us. You are being compensated for all you have done, even while serving as President of the Old Students Association,” Olofintuyi said.

He recalled that Aribisala, who served as President of the Association between 2018 and 2022, played a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth transition of Ifaki Grammar School to its new site, a feat he described as both visionary and historic.

“You successfully built a new site for Ifaki Grammar School. Today, you are building a new university from the ground up. That is no small feat. You are our pride,” he added.

The Association President further described the Vice-Chancellor’s track record as “intimidating and impressive,” noting that the visit was aimed at tapping into his wealth of experience and deep reservoir of knowledge.

According to him, “You have turned FUTES around within the shortest time possible. Your leadership has been nothing short of transformative.”

In a glowing tribute, Olofintuyi also highlighted Aribisala’s professional accomplishments, stating, “You are not just a Professor of Water Engineering; you brought water to Ifaki Ekiti. The same way you are a pride to Ifaki Grammar School, you are a pride to the engineering community, the academic world, FUTES, Nigeria, and indeed the global community.”

Expressing confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s capacity for excellence, the Association announced his appointment as Chairman of the planning committee for the 70th anniversary of Ifaki Grammar School, scheduled for January 2027.

“Having a master planner and ardent executor like you at the helm of this anniversary is not just an advantage; it is a guarantee of success,” Olofintuyi noted.

He also commended the Governing Council, principal officers, and staff of FUTES for their unwavering support for the Vice-Chancellor, stressing that their collective efforts have contributed significantly to the institution’s rapid growth and stability.

Responding, Prof. Aribisala appreciated the leadership of the Old Students Association for the visit and their continued commitment to the development of their alma mater.

He described the honour as humbling, noting that although he did not see the appointment coming, he accepted it as another opportunity to serve and make meaningful impact.

“This 70th anniversary is a great opportunity for all of us to give back to the school that shaped us. It is a call to responsibility and collective action,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his dedication to the advancement of both FUTES and Ifaki Grammar School, emphasizing the importance of unity, shared vision, and sustained investment in education as drivers of lasting development.

Also on the delegation were Secretary, Deacon Oluremi Omodara; Public Relations Officer I, Sir Kelechi David; Treasurer, Mr Sunday Ojaomo; and the Auditor I, Pastor Oladele Adesola.