The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ekiti State Chapter, has described the emergence of Gbenga Aribisala as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti (FUTES-IYIN) as a divinely orchestrated journey, noting that his appointment reflects God’s purpose for the new institution.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the management of University on Thursday, the State Chairman of PFN, Bishop Kolade Kayo-Ajayi, said although it had long been the dream of Prof. Aribisala to become a Vice-Chancellor, God preserved the opportunity for a greater purpose.

“It has been your desire for many years to become a Vice-Chancellor, but God kept it for a bigger picture. Today, we can all see that the assignment at FUTES-IYIN is not ordinary; it is clearly divinely arranged,” he said.

Bishop Kayo-Ajayi described the Vice-Chancellor as a great source of pride to the PFN family, adding that his leadership and service in God’s vineyard have made him a shining example among Christian leaders in academia.

“You have written your name in gold. You have been a pride to PFN and to the body of Christ. Your emergence here has further demonstrated that when God’s people are placed in positions of responsibility, excellence naturally follows,” he noted.

The PFN Chairman also recalled the presence of the fellowship’s leadership at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the university, where they witnessed first-hand the remarkable progress already being recorded by the young institution.

“We were present at the maiden matriculation ceremony, and what we saw was remarkable. For a university established less than a year ago to have commenced academic activities and admitted over 1,500 students is no small feat. The atmosphere that day was charged with enthusiasm and promise,” the Clergyman revealed.

He added that the achievements recorded so far reaffirm a long-held conviction about the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership capacity.

“There is virtually nothing you lay your hands on that does not succeed. We have seen that manifest here at FUTES-IYIN,” he noted.

While acknowledging that Prof. Aribisala’s academic and administrative experience cuts across several areas of university administration, Bishop Kayo-Ajayi pointed out that the assignment at FUTES-IYIN is particularly unique.

According to him, “Your experience spans several aspects of academics and administration, but this new role is special. It is a Vice-Chancellorship in a brand-new university, and that makes the responsibility even more strategic.”

The PFN Chairman also used the occasion to encourage people of faith to actively contribute to leadership across different sectors of society.

“When the righteous are in leadership, the results are always evident. What we are witnessing at FUTES-IYIN today is a clear example of that principle,” he said.

He further urged the Vice-Chancellor to continually exemplify the biblical principles of being “the salt and the light of the world,” emphasizing the need to lead with fairness, inclusiveness, and commitment to the collective good.

“Continue to be the salt and the light as the scriptures instruct. Be accommodating, lead with compassion, and always act in the interest of all. That is what you have been known for,” he advised.

Bishop Kayo-Ajayi also called on principal officers and members of staff of the university to rally around the Vice-Chancellor in order to sustain the institution’s early momentum.

“This vision cannot succeed through one man alone. We urge the principal officers and staff to give their full support so that the university can continue to grow from strength to strength,” he added.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aribisala, expressed deep appreciation to the PFN leadership for the visit and the show of love extended to the university.

He described the visit as particularly meaningful, noting that PFN occupies a unique place in his personal and spiritual journey.

“I have waited for a day like this, and I am truly happy that it has come. PFN occupies a special place in my heart because of my long-standing involvement and leadership roles within the fellowship,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, who has held several leadership positions within PFN over the years, acknowledged that the story of FUTES-IYIN goes beyond individual effort.

“The story of FUTES is beyond me. I completely agree with the Chairman that what we are witnessing here is divine intervention,” he said.

According to him, divine backing often makes the difference in leadership and institutional development.

“When God gives one a position, it becomes easier to make progress,” he remarked.

Prof. Aribisala also shared his broader vision for leadership development within the university system, expressing the desire to see academic staff rise to greater heights.

“My vision is not only to see professors within this university become Vice-Chancellors here at FUTES-IYIN, but also to see them rise to lead other universities across the country,” he stated.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a roll-up flex banner to the Vice-Chancellor by the PFN leadership, after which heartfelt prayers were offered for the continued progress, stability, and growth of the university.